'File 2/2 I. Kuwait-Iraq Smuggling' [‎128r] (260/444)

- 2 -
u Li
* o
g'
not behaving as bad as she was painted.
4. As you will have observed the Shaikh definitely
in his letter ot. ISth i ay lorwarded to you under this
office confidential No.l03 t dated the 20th May 1933 inti
mated his desire to live on amicable terns with all his
neighbours, and in the case of Iraq to cooperate in any
way that was possible, where questions of alleged smuggling
arose, so as n to set their fear s e.v rest 11 , (his words). He
slso said that he had given the strictest order to his offic
ials to watch this particular problem very closely, though,
as he said at the time to rae, he naturally could not, as
the Head of the State admit of its existence.
His Hxcsllency lastly pointed out in his letter
that not a single steamship or sailing vessel could export
anything by sea from Kuwait without being in possession of
a properly documented ships manifest issued by his Customs
Department and tinder the seal and signature of his Director
of Customs.
More than this it was derogatory to his rights
and dignity as an Independent Ruler to go.
3. In the course of my present conversation with him
His Excellency made it quite clear that it was quite impos
sible for him to agree to the Iraq Governments proposals
as forwarded in British Embassy, Baghdad E'o.20, dated the
31st March 1933, to your address, because to do so would be
tantamount to admitting the overlordship of Iraq, and that
she had a right to dictate to control the internal affairs
of the independent State of Kuwait.
6. The Iraq Government,added His Excellenoy, was clear
ly endeavouring to make him, the Shaikh, do their work for
them, and spend, money on measures that were her responsibi
lity entirely. Even if smuggling was going on with his
knowledge there was no international obligation on Kuwait
to take active steps to prevent persons smuggling goods
from Kuwait into the territory of her neighbours.
7. It was surely the Iraq Government’s business and
Q