5 subject himself to criticism in other parts of the Arab world and there might well be powerful opposition in Kuwait itself to any action of this sort. It may well be that the Ruler feels that a gesture in support of Egypt has been made, that no material loss of consequence has been suffered and that for the present investigations to succeed would indicate to other Azab countries that British pressure has forced him to bring the saboteurs to book. In the face of these circumstances the Ruler is likely to follow his natural inclination to avoid trouble and to do nothing. I do not think that any pressure on our part would induce him to act any differently. 4 Shaikh Jabir al-Ahmad has told the 011 Company that he wishes to increase the strength of his Security Force to a number which will enable him to post a 24-hour guard on each of the 210 producing wells. This will mean a strength, allowing for leave and sickness, of something not far short of 1,000 men, The Company are more inclined to favour a patrol system which could be operated at considerably less cost and possibly with equal elficiency. No final agreement has been reached. but already 400 additional "bedu" guards have been enlisted, most of them from the Mutair tribe. The strength of the Security Borces in the Ahmadi area before December 10 was about 300 uniformed men plus a number of tribal guards. After December 11 200 Frontier Force men moved in to reinforce the patrols and static guards. With the enlisting and posting of these 400 Bedu it is likely that some of the Frontier Force now operating in the Ahmadi area w111 be moved back into Kuwait. Meanwhile the 011 Company are going forward as fast as possible with plans of their own for additional protection to their installations. 5. I am sending a copy of this letter to Riches in Eastern Department, P.0.M.E.F. and williams at. Aden.
