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FO 371/109894

Cable and Wireless Limited: concessions in the Persian Gulf, 1954

This file contains correspondence relating to: Position of Cable and Wireless in the Gulf and suggestions for the improvement of its local position in the various Gulf Sheikhdoms. Except in Bahrain, the picture is gloomy. The situation is worst in Kuwait. This impacts British prestige as Cable and Wireless is controlled by HMG. Cable and Wireless want to dispose of their telephone undertakings in the Gulf. But the supply of telephone and telegraph services is not just a financial concern, it is also a political and strategic one.
FO 371/109879

Control of arms in the Trucial States, 1954

This file contains 'Draft Queen's Regulation for Firearms and Ammunition in the Trucial States', draft 'Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance' for the Ruler of Dubai which can be modified for use by other Rulers and related correspondence. These regulations are intended to control the movement of firearms. The British Residency in Bahrain is astonished that the Foreign Office believe legislation appropriate to Qatar can be applied, with just minor changes, to other states which all have very different local conditions (1-4).

FO 371/109878

Control of arms exports to the Persian Gulf, 1954

This file contains: Copy of a note from Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (17 May 1954) acknowledging a British note of 11 May relating to export of arms to the Gulf, which they have had brought to the attention of the competent authorities (3) Correspondence relating to reports that that the State Department have received unverified information that arms have been unloaded in Gwadur [Gwadar]. The State Department have also lost trace of the shipments of pistols and ammunition believed to be destined for Kuwait from Italy.
FO 371/109877

Supply of arms to Bahrain, 1954

This file contains correspondence relating to: Supply of rifles and ammunition to Bahrain (1-2) Multiple drafts of the 'Bahrain Possession of and Traffic in Arms Regulation 1954' and a new 'Arms Ordinance' which is intended to replace existing Bahrain Government legislation (3)

FO 371/109873

Finances of Kuwait: details of expenditure for 1953 and forecast for 1954, 1954

This file contains: Note prepared by the Finance Department of the Government of Kuwait for the Ruler and related correspondence. The note contains a statement of income and expenditure for 1953, estimates of the income for 1954 and proposals made for its allocation (1) Correspondence relating to how a rumour that Kuwait is bankrupt started (2) Balance sheet, statement of receipts and payments for six months (1 January - 30 June 1964) by the Government of Kuwait Finance Department, and related correspondence (3)

FO 371/109869

Revenue of Kuwait; function of the Kuwait Investment Board, 1954

This file contains correspondence relating to: Conversation between Mr Playfair and Sir Mark Turner of Messrs Bensons about the alleged appointment of 'the mysterious Mr Robinson' as financial advisor in London to the Ruler of Qatar, concerns about the Kuwait Investment Board, and the investment of the state funds of Kuwait and Qatar (1) Idea of getting Kuwait to contribute to the 'Arab cause' (2) Baghdad radio report suggesting the Kuwaiti Government has invested in industrial and engineering development in Egypt, and an Egyptian Mail report (newspaper cutting enclosed) about the pl
FO 371/109866

Drafting of new Bahrain Company Law, 1954

This file contains correspondence relating to the legality and practice of forming limited liability companies in Bahrain, and proposed new company legislation in Bahrain and the Gulf (1-3).

FO 371/109858

Development projects and finance in Qatar, 1954

This file contains correspondence relating to: Remarks made by Emile Bustani's about the issuance of development contracts and concern at the number of arms being smuggled into Qatar (1) Reilly's report on the economic and financial situation in Kuwait after his visit there.
FO 371/109856

British Trade Mission to Kuwait, 1954

This file contains correspondence relating to: Conversation with Emile Bustani about rumours of a reconciliation between Abdulla Mubarak and Sheikh Fahad. Also discusses development in Kuwait (1) Building of a technical school in Kuwait by John Howard and Company and the role of the Development Board (2-3) Reports of a trade mission to the Middle East, led by Sir Edward Benthall, and a report by LH Laing on Majed Al Din Al Jabri in relation to Syria and Kuwait. It includes discussion on development, the granting of contracts and Jabri's problems with General Hasted.
FO 371/109851

Claims by Rulers of Qatar and Abu Dhabi to island of Halul, 1954

This file contains correspondence relating to competing claims by the Rulers of Qatar and Abu Dhabi to Halul Island, which lies within the seabed concession granted to the Marine Oil Company by the Ruler of Qatar. Since 1869 Britain have regarded the Ruler of Abu Dhabi as the island's overlord and Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has allowed the Shell Company use of the island for survey purposes. Includes a translation of a letter from Sheikh Ali Bin Abdulla Al Thani to the Political Resident in Bahrain, submitting proof of Qatar's claim (1-3).

FO 371/109824

Visits to Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Egypt by ministers: report of visit by Mr Dodds-Parker MP, 1954

This file contains correspondence relating to: Stokes' enquiry to Eden about the progress of a possible ad hoc committee to study religious persecution, particularly in Poland and Stokes' impending tour of the Middle East (1) Minister of State at the Board of Trade Heathcoat-Amory's visit to Baghdad possibly being extended to Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan (2) Timetable and account of Dodds-Parker's visit to the Middle East (Bahrain-Kuwait-Iraq-Egypt) on his return from southeast Asia (3-5) Proposed visit of Dr Reginald Bennett to Bahrain (6-7)

FO 371/109822

Political relations between UK and Kuwait, 1954

This file contains correspondence relating to: Sir Duncan Cumming's letter to Mr de Candole of the Kuwait Oil Company to say that he will consider accepting the post of advisor to the Ruler of Kuwait if the Foreign Office want him to reform the administration. This, however, does not materialise (1) Idea of establishing Kuwaiti (or Gulf, including Kuwait) representation in London, paid for by HMG to preserve the representative's independence from the Gulf Rulers.