Frontier disputes between Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia

This file relates to the frontier dispute between Abu Dhabi and Qatar, and C A Gault's investigation with the aim of providing an impartial recommendation of the location of the land border and the ownership of disputed islands. It contains correspondence concerning:

• The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf G H Middleton's discussion with Ruler of Qatar Sheikh Ali Bin Abdulla Al Thani regarding the frontier dispute and his relationship with Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (28)
• Gault's draft terms of reference for his examination of the frontiers, and his intention to deal with the island of Halul first (27)
• Gault's request for a 1937 document about Halul, and Sheikh Ali's first formal claim to the island, for use in his investigations. No papers are found in Doha (30-32)
• The present position of all parties involved in the dispute over Khor Al Odaid [Khawr Al Udayd], including the Sultan of Muscat and Oman, which is linked with the Buraimi refugee problem and the restoration of Anglo-Saudi Arabian diplomatic relations (33)
• J C Moberly's talk with the new Ruler of Qatar Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali Al Thani about allowing Abu Dhabi subjects to land in Qatar and vice versa. Sheikh Ahmad commented that relations would be better with Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan than they are with Sheikh Shakhbut. It also contains a report from Allister Cochrane, of the Qatar Police Force about an incident involving a Qatari hawking party on Qarnain [Qarnayn] island (34)
• The first draft [enclosed] of Gault's recommendation on the land boundary between Qatar and Abu Dhabi (35)
• M C G Man's suggestion that Sheikh Shakhbut be informed that Gault is examining the frontier line (36)
• The background to the frontier dispute, HMG's settlement aims, the implications for Shell, and plans for Gault and Professor J N D Anderson to visit the area to collect evidence of the correct boundary location (38-40).