'File 38/17 Delimitation of Trucial state boundaries and Petroleum Concession Limited's Concession Areas on the Trucial Coast' [‎26r] (52/225)

Force. The Truclal Coast Shaikhs all have their capitals on tha
coast aiid can ba brought to book eithar by a blockade or by ©ora
direct action. It is interesting to note that as recently as
1&3& one of His Majesty's Sloops proceeded to Abu Dhabi having the
Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. on board with authority to boabard the Shaikh's fort
should he fall to satisfy the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. that he had put a
stop to slave-trading in his territory. Action by air »ight be
necessary to deal with an attempt by the tribes of the interior to
interfere with the Oil Company's operations. Such action might
take the form of demonstratloxis or the actual bombing of hostile
concentrations or the P.A.F. might be employed for the transport
of troops from Aden, fcgypt or elsewhere to protect the Oil Company's
personnel and property in an emergency. I discussed this question
with the Air Officer Commanding In Chief Middle &ast during his
recent visit to Bahrain and he was of opinion that it should be
possible for the ft.A.r. to render assistance of trie kind described
if called upon to do so. 1 would however suggest the desirability
of working out some scheme which could put Into operation at short
notice should necessity arise. If the Foyal Eavy and the B.A.F.
are always ready to take action of the kind described it should not
6e necess&ry to consiaer the question of stationing a permanent
force in the area until the Oil Company starts intensive operations
In the vicinity of the Buraiml oasis or beyond it.
7. To sum up there arc three matters which call for early
action vis*
(i) the definition of the boundary between Abu Dhabi and
Dubai}
(ii)
(lii)
the provision of residences and offices for a British
Political Officer on the Trucial Coast A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. and his staff; and
the preparation of a scheme for assistance by the hoyal
Air Force in maintaining order on the Truclal Coast
should this be required.
I will dc my best to bring about an early settlement of the Abu
Dh&bi - Dubai boundary and should be grateful if His Majesty's
Government would accord approval to the second proposal and Issue
instructions for the implementation of the third one as soon as
possible.
8. I aa sending a copy of this despatch to the Senior Havai
Officer Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. and the Air Officer Commanding. !*.A.F.
Habbanlyah.
I have the honour to be Sir
v?lth great truth and respect
Your most obedient humble
Servant