Coll 30/192(1) ‘Persian Gulf. Defence BAHRAIN.’ [‎124r] (247/327)

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cannot any perRonnel fo^ full ti'ne work with such a
"^orcn. A "full tiTie officer and ’ T .0.0. per.nanent dtaff
Instructor would therefore he essential to make a success
of any defence ^orce.
11. I o s s ib 1 e Rein f oroe;iicnt s.
(a) Landing parties from Laval sloops if available. A sloop
can provide a land, in a x art v / consisting of a self-contained
platoon of 30 all ranks.
(b) Aircraft, either land planes or filing ooats from ’IRAQ.
( c) Army reinforcements from HIDIA*
It must be borne in mind that the most probable time for
any emergency to occur in BAT : .DIL would be vhen the British Empire
had already major commit men me el /here. un^-Oi- eiiese circumstances
it is extremely unlikely that any Laval or Air reinforcements could
be provided and consequently ILLIA is the only source available.
The chief deduction from the above is that tne Defence
forces available at 3 A T RLF' must be so organised and trained that
they can deal with anything but a major emergency with their own
resources. r, he desirability of utilising the available British,
and if possible American, personnel therefore becomes of -reat
importance.
13. Intel lipence.
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. is already in a position to aeguire
all the intelligence ^hich would be necessary in normal conditions
and further arrangements to -^eet any abnormal situation which would
be brought about by an om.erg»nc Tr a^e being considered.
13» TT echanical "^ ra nsnort .
m here is a considerable number of cars and lorries in
3ALR3IL mostly owned by the oil company. Sufficient could always
be commandeered in emergency to transport any mobile reserves, and
to form car „ atrols.
R B 0 0 II M E N D B D P L A L.
14. A BAHRUIL Local Defence Force to be formed from tne
British and if possible American personnel employed in the oil
fields. The organisation to consist of an Infantry Company of
Headquarters and three Platoons, o~ch of Three Sec cions", each
Section armed with a "Bren 51 gun and rifles. Lo transport is
required as local cars can be used if necessary. All '’Bren" guns
to be equipped in addition with A. A. mountings to be used in event
of possible low flying attack on the Refinery.
15. A Regular Army Adjutant and a L.C.O. permanent Staff
Instructor to be appointed for the ^orce. This officer and
Instructor to be also available for instruction duties at various
other Stations in the Persian hulf (i.e. 7117AIT, MUSCAT, QATAR).
Suitable emoluments to be given so that efficient personnel are
•btained.
16. ^he RA TJ RUP T Police to be equipped with 12 "Bren" Guns,
"'he reserve of ammunition to be increased from 400,000 rounds to
1,000,000 ro^mds A hritish Assistant to be provided for
the ^itish Adviser and a suitable -or»o-Do r, tion of Native Officers
or Inspectors to be gradually appointed.