"ملف ٧/٦ I مهبط الكويت" [و‎‎٧‎٧] (٥٢٤/١٥٨)

P.Z. 2408/34
AIR MINISTRY,
ADASTRAL HOUSE,
9th April 1934
4 (Part II)
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My dear Laithwaite
Will you please refer to my letter of the 20th March
1934, on the subject of acquisition of certain adaitional
facilities for aircraft in Koweit and to Political Agent
Koweit’s telegram of the 3rd instant in which he states that
the Sheikh proposes to charge an annual rent of £1,200 for
the quarantine site, previously referred to as site (a)*
2. While we agree that the Sheikh’s terms are probably
not unreasonable and appreciate the fact that he wishes to
help as far as he reasonably can, we regret that we do not
feel justified in paying an annual rent of £1,200 perhaps
for the next 20 years or more when there is no certainty that
the site will eventually be required as a base to accommodate
R.A#F. units. Also if that site should eventually be
acquired by the oil company and we then find that a base is
required in Koweit territory, it is possible that an
alternative site could be obtained elsewhere, not
necessarily so close to Koweit town.
3. It is perhaps a little unfortunate that after a
certain amount of pressure had been brought to bear on the
Sheikh to fix a rent which he would be prepared to accept, we
should now decline his offer, but I fear this cannot be
helped. Will you, therefore, please ask the Political Agent
to decline the Sheikh’s offer as far as the quarantine site
is concerned and, if you think it desirable, explain the
reasons for our decision.
.Laithwaite Esq.,
Lndia Office,
S. W. 1.
4./