Coll 30/9 'Persian Gulf: Administration Reports 1926-1938' [‎43r] (90/1028)

( i )
REVIEW.
ARAB SIDE.
General.—In the Review of the Administration Report for 1936 a Retro
spect of the years 1926—1936 was given which indicated the considerable
changes which had come about during that decade on the Arab side of the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . A summary of these changes was given as follows :—
During the comparatively short period of 10 years, from the commm
nications point of view the Gulf has changed from a cul-de-sac
to an highway between East and West; from the resources
point of view the discovery of oil in an area under our control
is of considerable strategical importance ; while from the inter
national point of view the relations of the Arab Shaikhdoms with
their neighbours have increased considerably in importance and
complexity.”
During the year under review the Arab side has if anything increased in
importance by the multiplication of the Imperial Airways Weekly Services,
and by—to anticipate the events of l^^-the finding of oil at Kuwait, and in
Saudi territory at Hasa. From the international point of view the relations
of the Arab Shaikhdoms with their neighbours show no signs of decreasing in
importance.
Royal Navy .—The sloops of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Division continued their
useful duties on the Arab coast and frequently transported the Political Resi
dent and political officers under him on their tours.
Aviation—The Royal Air Force continued to maintain the strategical
air route on the Arab coast. They made numerous routine flights, and, on
requests, carried political officers on their duties.
The Imperial Airways services were increased from two to four services a
week under the Empire Air Mail scheme. In connection with this scheme air
facilities were obtained from the Shaikh of Debai and negotiations were opened
with the Rulers of Bahrain and Muscat for the revision of the Civil Air Agree
ment.
Oil Interests .—In June, under the auspices of 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. , Muscat,
two concessions covering the territory of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman were
obtained by Petroleum Concessions Limited.
With the assistance of the political authorities and after prolonged nego
tiations, Petroleum Concessions Limited procured concessions from the ^h ai ^ s
of Debai and Sharjah, and negotiations ^continued with regard to the
remaining Shaikhdoms.
In Qatar drilling operations continued.
The Bahrain Petroleum Company Limited completed the const ™'; tl ° 1 ? °
their refinery, and had an even more successful year than during 1936, when
500,400 tons of crude oil and 9,200 tons of fuel od ..re exported.^ Durmgjhe
Americans . • • •
European British subjects
Indian British subjects .
Bahrainis ...
f Iranians
Others ^ Iraqis
(^Kuwaitis, etc. .
Total
years is as
follows
1935.
1936.
1937.
49
153
126
26
157
308
61
323
214
1,283
3,747
3,304
:}
658
688
. L663
5,038
4,640
'53/Cf ExAfEahsPept