Page 17 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf - Vol II) 1907-1953

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(ii) It is undesirable to attempt to bring the Shaikhdoms more closely under
the control of His Majesty’s Government, but His Majesty’s
Government being responsible for the foreign relations of the
Shaikhdoms have both the right to intervene to prevent serious
maladministration and to ensure that their international commitments
are carried out, and the obligation to assist generally in the development
of their administrative systems.
(in) The internal independence of the Shaikhdoms should be fostered to the
greatest possible extent. Although the goal of complete independence
may not be obtainable in the near future it should not be lost sight of
as the ultimate purpose.
(iv) It is the function of His Majesty’s Government to encourage the reforms
for which a demand is likely to arise and to ensure that they develop
on sound !ines.(20)
These views applied chiefly to Bahrain and Kuwait and in some
respects to Qatar. A separate pronouncement was made regarding the
Trucial States (chapter 5, paragraph 8).
12. Sir Roger Makins in his report on the visit which he paid to the Persian
Gulf in 1952 expressed the opinion that Her Majesty’s Government must, in the
absence of any satisfactory alternative, maintain their position in the Gulf and that
this policy could be carried out in the following way: —
“ (i) by maintaining close personal relationships between the political
representatives and the Rulers;
(ii) by making sure that we are consulted in the appointment of British
advisers;
(iii) by maintaining our judicial functions and ensuring that they are
adequately discharged;
(iv) by our willingness to spend money on such things as the Trucial Oman
Levies which demonstrate that we intend to stay and to adopt a
positive policy;
(v) by our readiness to give responsibility in all internal matters (and possibly
in some matters of foreign relations as well) to the local administrations
as they become capable of taking it;
(vi) at the same time by maintaining our protection and, as a result, our right
to intervene in the last resort in the case of gross maladmini­
stration.’^21)
13. In the instructions issued to the new Political Resident in 1953 the
following policy was laid down: —
(i) Her Majesty’s Government should maintain the traditional position of
Great Britain in the Gulf and continue to fulfil the obligations which
they have assumed in that area.
(ii) Her Majesty’s Government should exert sufficient influence in the
Shaikhdoms to ensure that there is no conflict between the policies of
the Rulers and their own policies.
(iii) Where appropriate Her Majesty’s Government will endeavour to advance
the internal independence of the Shaikhdoms.
(iv) Her Majesty’s Government will not oppose any political or economic
association between the Shaikhdoms provided it is consistent with the
policies defined under (i) and (ii) above. In the Trucial States a
common administration would appear to be highly desirable.
(v) The intrusion of the direct influence of other Powers into the Shaikhdoms
is unwelcome. In particular, the extension of the influence of the Arab
League countries must be resisted.
(vi) It is essential to harmonise United States and British policy without
sacrificing the paramount British position. The closest personal
relations must be maintained in the Gulf States between the British and
United States official, service and business communities.
(vii) It is essential to foster the closest relations between British officials and
the members of the ruling families. Special effort must also be made
to keep in touch with opinion in all classes of society.
(viii) The expenditure and investment of the Ruler’s incomes is a matter of
direct interest to Her Majesty’s Government.
FO toP.R. Despatch 48 (EA 1511/1) of April 2, 1951.
(a') para. 24 at p. U> Sir R. Makins report.