Page 161 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf - Vol II) 1907-1953

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the same day he was presented to the first meeting of the Trucial States Council
and ins recognition was announced to it. In accepting the above conditions he
nad asked tor an assurance that so far as an oil concession was concerned he would
be permitted to address any company whatsoever, and this assurance was given him.
boon after his recognition he visited Saudi Arabia in order to interest the Arabian
American Oil Company in his territory but failed in his object. He also paid his
respects to Ibn Saud, who appears to have shown him little favour. He subsequently
endeavoured to persuade Petroleum Development Trucial Coast Limited
to accept a concession, but they only agreed to take an exploration permit.
Muhammad is active and intelligent and exercises full control over his tribesmen.
Though illiterate he has much knowledge of Arab history and genealogies. He is
related by marriage to the Ruler of Ajman and on bad terms with the Ruler of
Sharjah against whom he is constantly intriguing.
40. Since the absorption of Kalba by Sharjah, Fujairah shares with this State
the tract bordering on the Gulf of Oman known as the Shamailiyah. In 1950 the
Political Resident reported as follows: —
“ The area under the control of Shaikh Muhammad comprises Fujairah
town and the surrounding area, including the mountains and Wadis to the
west of it of which the most important are Wadi Ham and Wadi Najdiyana,
the coastal strip extending from Kalba to Khor Fakkan, including the villages
of Ghuraifah, Mirbah and Gidfah, and the coastal strip extending from Bidyah
up to and including Diba-Ghurfah and the steppe and mountains to the west
of it. Towards Ras al Khaimah Fujairah territory extends to Habbab,
about two miles south of Khatt.”(M)
This description is a very rough one and it is possible that some of the territory
mentioned may be claimed by other Rulers. None of the boundaries of the State
with Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah and Muscat have yet been defined.

III.—The Trucial States Council
41. In 1950 the Political Resident, after remarking that he did not consider
that a formal federation of the Trucial States would be possible for many years
to come, recommended the formation of a Council of Rulers which would meet
roughly every three months for the discussion of matters of common interest under
the chairmanship of the Political Officer, Trucial Coast.(,;i) The Foreign Office
accepted this recommendation and, while agreeing that the Political Officer should
prepare the agenda for the meetings of the Council and play a leading part in the
proceedings for the time being, expressed a hope that he would hand over his
functions to the Rulers themselves in due course. They also instructed the Political
Resident to keep the possibility of the formal federation of the States in mind and
to report in due course, after the results of the initial steps had been seen, what
likelihood there was of achieving it.(I#)
42. Two meetings of the Council were held in 1952 and two in 1953. A
variety of matters was discussed, including domestic slavery, development schemes,
travel documents, nationality laws, anti-locust measures and the re-incorporation
of Kalba with Sharjah. The concurrence of the Rulers was obtained in some
useful measures such as the prohibition of the sale of salves and the issue of traffic
regulations but with the exception of Shaikh Saqr of Sharjah none of *00,
any really active part in the discussions or showed any initiative. It will be difficult
to make any progress towards federation until funds can be obtained for tne
setting up of a central administrative office. Meanwhile the Ruler of Abu Dhabi
has promised to contribute 4 per cent, of his revenue from any oil found in his
iss“ rJd n
,miiifcrs
and
it materialises.
f««) p.R. to F.O. Despatch 39 of May 6, 1950 (EA 1057/2 of 1951).
/is\ d r’ to F.O. Despatch 83 of November 25, 1950 (EA 1057/12 of 1950).
(«•) F.O. to P.R. Despatch 47 (EA 1017/3) of April 2. 1951.