CONTENTIAL H.B.M. POLITICAL AGENCY, TRUCIAL STATES, DUBAI. January 12, 1965. I notice that there is no reference in Weir's letter BT 1534/24 of December 30 to Shaikh Rashid's being informed concurrently with Shaikh Shakhbut of the Western limit of the Dubai Marine Areas concession which we propose to give to Continental. و2 You will remember that James Craig wanted to use Dubai Marine Areas' wish to drill within the safe area to induce Shaikh Rashid to accept the Ras Hasian point as his boundary with Abu Dhabi. The terms in which it is suggested that Hugh Boustead speak to Sheikh Shakhbut would not, if put to Shaikh Rashid, achieve this. Only the use of the Company's wish to drill, which I take it we are still pre cluded from using, would have a chance of effecting that. Nevertheless I think it would be unwise if Sheikh Shakhbut were to be approached about his frontier with Dubai without Sheikh Rashid receiving equal treatment, especially as he will feel that his claims are being brushed aside without his being informed. He has many sources of information in Sheikh Shakhbut's entourage and would know of the approach very soon. Our relations with him would suffer at a time when we can ill afford to lose his confidence and goodwill. و3 I hope, therefore, that if Hugh Boustead speaks to Sheikh Shakhbut on this, I may be instructed to approach Sheikh Rashid at the same time. If this is agreed, perhaps he could let me know when he intends to see the Ruler so that I can coordinate my action with his. I am sending copies of this letter to Hugh Boustead in Abu Dhabi and to Michael Weir in Arabian Department. (H.G. Balfour-Paul) His Excellency, Sir William H. Luce, G.B.E., K.C.M.G., Political Residency, BAHRAIN CONFIDENTIAL
