'File 5/1 XIV Kuwait Oil Company' [‎275r] (559/570)

H.T. Kemp, Esq.,
Kuwait Oil Co. Ltd. ,
Britannic House, E.C.2.
Dear Mr. Kemp:
I have to thank you for your letter dated 6th July, 1939.
it appears to me that some confusion has arisen in respect of the
status of the area which I indicated to you on the couv of the
Chart Ho. 2837.B.
Before commenting on your letter, I would like to make it
clear that His Highness has always been most anxious that the
terms and rights granted in the Kuwait Oil Concession he honoured
meticulously both in letter and spirit and has impressed upon me
that nothing should occur to disturb the pleasant relations that
have always existed between His Highness and the Company.
The Area which I pointed out on the Chart mentioned
above does not include any portion of the "Territorial
Haters" of either the Mainland or the Islands belonging to the
State of Kuwait. The whole of this area is situated outside
the limit of 3.45 statute miles A linear distance of 1,760 yards. (3 nautical miles Originally one minute of arc measured along a meridian, but since 1929 redefined as 1,853.20 metres. ) from high
water mark which distance (3.4-5 miles) is the Internationally
recognised limit of "Territorial Haters". In other words the
area under discussion is "International Haters" and His
s is fully aware that such is the Status of the Area.
Highne
His Highness has made no move, either officially or
otherwise in respect of the area in question, except to make a
private enquiry, through me, from your Company as to whether your
Board would be interested in such an area.
The position in respect of "International Haters"
situated opposite to Territory adjacent to the Arabian Coast, -
but excluding that opposite to Kuwait - has changed considerably
of recent months, I understand that a large area, the greater
portion of which is International Haters, has been offered to an
American Oil Company by His Highness the Shaikh of Bahrein.
This action in respect of "International Haters" may
draw the attention of other Rulers along the Arabian Coast and
naturally they may wish to protect, as far as possible, oil
rights over International Haters lying adjacent to their
respective Territories and may possibly do so on the same
lines as Bahrein.
I am sending a copvy of this letter to His Highness by
the same mail that takes to him your letter of the 6th July.
Yours sincerely,
(S gd.) FRANK HOLMES.