'Arabia Intelligence Report' [‎22r] (43/52)

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(11) Signal Communications
There is a station owned and operated by the KUWAIT Oil Company. Correspondence
is exclusive to that of a private enterprise. Frequencies employed are 3,000 and 3,750 kc/s,
power 0-03 kw. Conducts a service with shipping and a fixed interior service. Telegraph line
exists to BASRA. There is also another station, equipped with a 50-watt set, crystal frequency
of 4,400 kc/s, operating frequency 8,800 kc/s.
(12) Defences
There are no modern defences.
The Shaikh maintains a body of some 350 Bedouin mercenaries known as the " Fidawiyah,"
and can count on another 4,000-5,000 tribesmen for the purpose of defence against hostile
tribes who might invade his frontier. This force has been improved recently by the introduction
of a force of six Ford light lorries armed with Lewis guns, and carrying two gunners and ten
men armed with rifles, which are capable of reaching any point on the frontier very quickly.
Three more lorries are on order and it is intended to bring the strength of the force up to
twelve eventually, together with two field wireless transport sets on lorries. The Shaikh
holds a private stock of -303 rifles and about 250,000 rounds of S.A.A. in reserve.
(13) Reconnaissance
The question of how best to defend KUWAIT territory from an attack by land largely
depends on the water supply. Apart from the wells directly outside the town walls, which
have already been mentioned, the nearest supplies of water are at JAHRA, 20 miles to the
westward of the town, and SUBAIHIYAH, 32 miles to the southward. Ihese wells are on
the main routes from IRAQ and HASA respectively. There are also some wells in the coast
villages to the south-eastward. An attack on KUWAIT is almost impossible if these walls
are denied to the enemy. Perhaps their defence would best be ensured by blockhouses and the
use of armoured cars and aircraft.
JAHRA, a large village at the head of KUWAIT bay and about 20 miles west of KUWAIT
town, is a place of great strategic importance. Besides being on the routes to BASRA and
NEJD, its wells are the last before reaching the wateiless belt to the south-west. It is an
important camping ground for Bedouins and a centre for NEJD and desert news. Its
occupation is essential for the security of KUWAIT town and the Kl \\ All—BASRA road.
Billeting Facilities jor Troops
KUWAIT Town. A small party (say six signallers) could be accommodated at the
New Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. .
The Diwan Palace of the Shaikh of MOHAMMERAH is in ruins, but could shelter 40 men.
The Shaikh of KUWAIT could provide tents for about 250 men at short notice, as was
done for the naval landing party in 1928.
The best camping site is on the east of the town, inside the walls and near the Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent.
and the palaces of the Shaikhs of KUWAIT and MOHAMMERAH. This site was used by
the naval landing party in 1928 and is handy to cooking and washing water supplies.
KUWAIT Districts
TAHRA (20 miles west of One brigade. Water from numerous wells. Arab fort,
KUWAIT). capable of defence. Possible landing ground.
QURAIN ^on southern border Half battalion. Water from 10 good wells,
of KUWAIT).
SUBAIHIYAH (32 miles south One brigade. Possible landing ground. Numerous
of KUWAIT). sweet wells.
WAFRAH (55 miles south of Two battalions. Numerous sweet wells. Possible
KUWAIT). landing grounds.
Provisions
Products are insignificant, consisting only of a limited supply of vegetables ai^ a little
lucerne at JAHRA. Supplies have to be largely augmented from abroad, principally BASRAH
and the Persian ports.