"ملف ٧/٦ I مهبط الكويت" [و‎‎٨‎٢] (٥٢٤/١٦٨)

Sheikh* That being so, it is not easy to suggest a
compromise proposition which would meet our possible
future requirements in respect of land which is not leased
or purchased nowo
It is possible, however, that in the event of
the company raising the question of acquiring site (a),
the Sheikh could be persuaded to make an attempt to
exclude it, more especially if an alternative area,
which would suit the company equally well, were available*
No doubt the Sheikh, with the advice of the Political
Agent, could find some very good ostensible reason for
5* We can hardly expect the Sheikh to adopt a
course which would result in financial loss to himself, and
if the company make him a good offer and decline to
accept an alternative, then I fear we must resign ourselves
to the loss of site (a)* On the other hand, as an
inducement to the Sheikh to reserve that area against our
possible future requirement he could be told:—
(i) that we have no intention of developing it at
present, and he could therefore continue to use
it himself;
6* Another alternative would be for us to select
and reserve some other area if one can be found which
would be suitable for the construction of an air base*
I attach draft of a telegram which we would be prepared to
carry out a further reconnaissance, if you agree* Action
on these lines can be taken while you are continuing
discussions with the Sheikh on the lines of paragraphs if
and 5 above, and in the event of your further negotiations
attempting to exclude site (a)*
(ii) if we do eventually desire to use the areaWe
would be prepared to pay a reasonable price to
/ send to the Air Officer Commanding, Iraq, askjfing him to
being/