"الملف 38/3 II شركة امتيازات النفط المحدودة: امتياز قطر" [و‎‎١‎٢‎٣] (٣٣٦/٢٤٥)

PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT (QATAR) LIMITED
Qatar,
August 2nd, 1949.
Dear Mr. Lermitte,
I am enclosing a letter from Shaik Saud Ibn Abdul F.ahman
for the Political Agent, Bahrein.
The Captain of H.M.S. Flamingo instructed me to inform
Shaik Saud that he would be prepared to carry a letter from him
to the P.A. Unfortunately the letter was not ready by the time
the Flamingo sailed, from V/akara. The Captain therefore suggested
that I might be able to arrange for its arrival.
It is forwarded therefore for disposal as you think fit. In
forwarding it I beg to make the following comments.
Shaik Saud is very anxious to see the P.A. and is willing to
come to Bahrein at any time.
I
From the moment he was informed by me that the instructions not
to interfere came from the Political Agent all interference with
Company work in the Wakara area ceased. He pointed out that this
is first time that he has received any instructions verbal or
written from the P.A.
His refusal to go aboard the Flamingo was the result of a fear
of being abducted and not due to truculence or lack of respect for
the F.A.^ These are my own impressions and not confirmed by any
statements from Saud himself.
He has no anti-Company or anti-British feelings. He is
perfectly friendly but refuses to have anything more to do with the
Ruler until the P.A. intervenes.
He is a strong man in his own small right and if the matter
could be settled satisfactorily, he could, I feel, be of use to
the Company.
There have been further demonstrations from other members of the
Ruler's family today in an attempt to extract money from him. A big
conference was held at Ryhan and I understand the poor relations
numbered about 50 and were in very determined mood. Sanctions have
been threatened both economic by closing portions of the Suq and more
violent methods. Up to the time of writing I have heard no results of
the conference. A report is being prepared and will be sent through
the normal channels.
Shaik Saud is not amongst these latest supplicants. Everyone is
rather tired of the old Ruler and have given up hope that H.M.G. will
be aMe to mend his ways for him so that they are beginning to use
their own methods.
In the latest party the prime movers are the brothers of the
Ruler, Abdul Azeez, Sultan, Fahed, Nasr bin Khalid and his brothers.
The sons of Ahmed bin Jassim, Moh’d and Ali bin Jassim,the more
wealthy brothers of the Ruler, are I understand attempting to act
as peacemakers.
I have taken the liberty of writing you direct in this matter
as it seemed best for the enclosed to arrive without delay and by
the most direct means.
I can definitely guarantee to produce Shaik Saud for the P.A.
this time provided notice is given.
Yours sincerely,
(Sgd.) C.E.S.Tirbutt