'File 7/4 Aviation and Air Force Matters' [‎78r] (162/506)

oave the right to erect buildings etc wherever they may wish within
:heir 100,000 square acres, and that area may include the present
landing Ground.
I offer the following suggestions.
When it is definitely known that the Eastern Greneral Syndicate are
lesirious of continuing their concession The Shaikh might suggest the
.nclusion of a clause providing that the Landing Ground, wherever it may
)e located, shall be kept clear from any buildings etc.
If The Air Force are satisfied with the present Landing Ground ^s
, .t is now, they might approach H.E. Shaikh Hamed on the subject of
.easing it to them for a long period of years, stipulating that ±JU the
)resent open ground between its boundaries and the villages and
mltivation adjoining it should not be built upon or cultivated, within
. certain distance from the edge of the Landing Ground. In some
Lirections it would allow an area of 200 or 300 yards clear, outside
;he Landing Ground. In other directions the cultivation extends right
ip to the Landing Ground. In the matter of leasing this area it should
)e remembered that its proximity to Manama makes it a valuable location
either for agricultural purposes or for building sites.
If this area does not suit The Air Porce another site could doubtles
)e chosen, but not within three or four miles of the town. There are
luitable places on Muharrak Island, km east of the Tombs on the Rafaa
•oad, and also beyond Gedhafs on the Budeya Road, this olain being I
;hink the nearest site to Manama.
I am sure that H,E. ShaikhHamed will, until this matter is settled
•efrain from putting under cultivation or building upon any more of the
;round adjacent to the aerodrome, and I think he would be willinp* to
sonsider the question of leasing the site.
Perhaps you are aware that some years ago when Major Dickson was in
Bahrain an area north of the present Palace was reserved as a Landing
rround and marked by pillars. At that time this action caused a very
;reat deal of public feeling. H.E. Shaikh Hamed reminded me of the fact
. few days ago.
With reference to the sea plane anchorage , the only liklehood of
.nterference with the place which they have chosen would be from the
•astern and general Syndicate who have, I believe, ideas of buildinp* a
W an ^ wharves in that locality. However until the position of the
•yndicate as regards Bahrain is more defined I do not think that this
>ossibility need be seriously considered.
I do not think that Shaikh Hamed would wish to 1 ..ease the sea
: ?om 0 hii e altn iLi S v 1 0f - n0 9? I ? merc i al value t0 the state - 1 understand
a + ^ 13 wlllln g t0 Sift to the Air Force, or to The
ZAtTmlTncZw" ■ ' for " MUlne °° the
Adviser.
Bahrain Government.