"ملف ٧/٦ I مهبط الكويت" [و‎‎٧‎٢] (٥٢٤/١٤٨)

always remember that in 1907, though I admit circumstances
were then scmewbat different, we leased the same area from
Shaikh Mubarak for Rs.60,000 per annum.
7. i of course mentioned to the Shaikh that the Royal
Air for ce if indeed they ever took over the site had already
agreed to abide by his conditions viz (a) to allow native
craft to use the Shuwaikh harbour: (b) not to interfere with
persons using the Kuwait-Basra road which passes through
the property: (c) not to expect him (the Shaikh) td ever
undertake repairs to the Quarantine buildings. This pleased
the Shaikh.
8. i/hat stood out during the whole of our talks, was
the fact that the Shaikh appeared genuinely anxious to assist
and make things as easy as possible for the Royal Air Force
"for the simple reason that they were part and parcel of
King George's fighting forces and so protectors of Kuwait"
(his words). It is therefore not improbable that in the
event of the figure £1200/- being considered excessive by
the Air Ministry, I might be able to get the Shaikh to agree
to a sli^itly further reduction. I, naturally however, would
not like to try and beat him down further as it would rather
savour of my trying to take an unfair advantage of his
expressed loyalty to His Majesty’s Government. I think also
that the Shaikh’s feelings would be considerably hurt, were
I to try and. beat him down further.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
IT
Lt.-Colonel,
a* Political Agent,Kuwait.
VSS.