Page 148 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf - Vol II) 1907-1953

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control of civil aviation in Qatar and stating his readiness to issue such regulations
as might be required to enable His Majesty’s Government to carry out their
responsibilities. This arrangement was subject to review after five years. The
Political Agent replied accepting the responsibility on behalf of His Majesty’s
Government.!101)
63. In 1950 the Gulf Aviation Company (chapter 2, paragraph 126) established
a regular service between Bahrain and Dohah using the old Royal Air Force
landing-ground at the latter place. In October 1951 they had to abandon this
service as the landing-ground in question was no longer considered fit for use.
In December 1951 Petroleum Development reluctantly agreed to the use by the
Gulf Aviation Company of their landing-ground at Dohah on the understanding
that a new landing-ground would shortly be constructed for ordinary civil use,
and the service was resumed. The new landing-ground was not constructed and
much discussion followed about future responsibility for the maintenance of the
existing ground and the construction of a new one. It appeared that the Qatar
Government were willing to undertake this responsibility but wished also to assume
responsibility for operating the airfield and they refused to accept a proposal
that a private company should lease and operate the existing airfield. In view
of the expense involved Her Majesty’s Government were unwilling to assume any
responsibility for maintenance, construction or operating and a mission from the
Ministry of Civil Aviation which visited Dohah in the spring of 1953 recommended
that the Qatar Government should be allowed to undertake all such responsibility,
subject to the following broad provisos:—(a) the Ruler of Qatar should consult
the Ministry of Civil Aviation representative in the Persian Gulf on the technical
aspects of operating the airfield or airfields; (b) Her Majesty’s Government should
retain control of traffic rights, paying due attention to the interests of the Ruler;
and (c) Her Majesty’s Government should retain all international responsibilities
in the field of civil aviation.(,0?) A draft exchange of letters with the Ruler
embodying these and other conditions was under discussion at the end of 1953,
together with draft Air Navigation Regulations which were to be annexed to the
exchange.!103) Meanwhile the Qatar Government are maintaining the existing
airfield at Dohah, which they took over from the oil company at the end of 1952,
and have constructed some ancillary buildings there.

(cf) Slavery
64. Qatar used to be notorious for participation in the traffic in slaves, and
had links with the slave mart at Hamasah (Chapter 6, paragraph 96). Several
I cases were brought to Abdullah’s notice while he was Ruler but redress was rarely
obtained. Domestic slavery was also widespread and the same trouble arose over
the employment of slaves by the oil company as in the Trucial States (Chapter 5,
paragraph 139). Ali, after his accession and acquisition of wealth, was induced
formally to abolish slavery and on April 10, 1952, issued a proclamation accordingly
(Appendix E). 660 slaves were freed and compensation was paid to the owners.

(e) Arms
65. Under the Treaty of 1916 the Ruler of Qatar is permitted to import
such arms and ammunition as he may reasonably need, and his annual requirements
are quoted as being in his opinion up to 500 weapons. In 1948 Abduilah, who
had not imported any arms since 1939, asked to be supplied with 1,600 rifles
together with armoured vehicles mounted with machine guns and heavy guns.(,0‘)
It was decided only to supply him with 500 rifles and 50,000 rounds of ammunition.
Since Ali’s accession and the establishment of the Qatar Police demands received
for the supply of arms have been reasonable and have been met. A large number
of rifles which Abdullah had imported under the Treaty and hoarded were taken
over by the Police to prevent their falling into wrong hands.
66. At the time of the signing of the Treaty Abdullah issued a proclamation
forbidding the import and export of arms and ammunition (Appendix F) In
May 1950 All issued a proclamation forbidding the carrying of arms in Dohah
except by his Police and bodyguard but this has never been enforced. In 1952 it
(m) P.R. to F.O. Despatch 39 of March 28. 1951 (GA 58/11 of 1951)
(,oa) F.O. toP.R. Despatch 78 (GA 105/13) of May 21 1953
IS loE-5* DesPatch 162 (GA 107/12) of September 25. 1953.
( ) P.R. to F.O. Despatch 34 of April 30. 1948 (E 5867/680/91 of 1948)
46639
T