Page 176 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf - Vol II) 1907-1953

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for (he Gulf States, and this in its turn was replaced by another Order in Council
in 1950 primarily in order to include new matter legalising the position of the
Trucial Oman Levies. A further order was issued in 1952 to provide for the
disappearance of Kalba as a separate State and the addition of Fujairah.
Regulations have been issued under the Orders in Council dealing with the Trucial
Oman Levies,(l06) Miscellaneous Services by Her Majesty’s Representatives, Traffic
in Cultured Pearls, Air Navigation, Passport Control,(,0,J Alcoholic Drinks and
Special Police Officers.!10")

(b) Facilities for Royal Air Force
113. In 1927 the Trucial Coast Rulers were asked to allow the Royal Air
Force to rent buildings in their towns for the storage of petrol, but they all refused
permission.(,0°) Opposition was encountered in particular from the Ruler of Ras al
Khaimah, whose attitude was extremely contumacious. In 1930 he refused to
allow the Royal Air Force to moor a petrol barge in his creek and only gave way
after some Ras al Khaimah pearling dhows had been seized by the Royal Navy.
He then agreed in writing to accept responsibility for the safety of the barge and
of all aircraft landing at Ras al Khaimah.(no) Even after this he continued to give
trouble, and early in 1931 he threatened to place himself under the protection of
Ibn Saud, if further pressure were brought to bear on him. The ruler of Abu
Dhabi likewise refused to agree to the installation of a petrol tank on Bani Yas
Island. He was informed that one would be installed without his permission and
action was taken accordingly.
114. In 1932 His Majesty’s Government obtained facilities for the establish­
ment of an Air Station by Imperial Airways at Sharjah (paragraph 122 below).
Although it is not specifically stated in the agreement that the Royal Air Force
may use the station, this is implied by a provision that no charge will be made for
Royal Air Force aircraft landing at Sharjah.
115. In 1934 the Ruler of Dubai agreed in writing to provide a “ good jolly-
boat ” for the storage of petrol by the Royal Air Force for a period of six years
on payment of a rent of Rs. 120/- a month.C") This agreement was terminated
in J941.(l,a)
116. In 1935 the Ruler of Abu Dhabi at length agreed to grant facilities for
the Royal Air Force on Bani Yas island and at Abu Dhabi,(,,a) and landing grounds
were constructed at both places. The agreement was for a period of twelve years
and stipulated a down payment of Rs. 5,000/- and a monthly payment of Rs. 400/-.
This agreement was terminated at the beginning of 1951.(,M)
117. In 1936 the Ruler of Kalba granted facilities for the establishment of a
landing ground at that place (paragraphs 23 above and 123 below). The agreement
expired in 1948 and was not renewed.
118. In 1936 the Rulers of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah granted permission for
the placing of beacons for Royal Air Force purposes on Halul and Sir Bu Nair
Islands respectively.
119. In 1942 by an exchange of letters the Ruler of Sharjah agreed to the
stationing of Royal Air Force aircraft and personnel at Sharjah for the duration
of the war only, and also to the extension of the aerodrome and the construction
of two camps. The Ruler of Dubai similarly agreed to the stationing of Royal
Air Force aircraft and personnel at Dubai and to the construction of an aerodrome
and camp. In neither case was there any financial quid pro quo. During the war
the Royal Air Force raised local levies for protection and ground work generally
but their quality was poor and they were disbanded as soon as circumstances
permitted. After the war the Royal Air Force withdrew from Dubai but retained
a small maintenance party in their camps at Sharjah. The position was regularised
(*••) No. 1 of 1951.
(,or) Nos. 401-4 of 1952.
(,0‘) Nos. 1 and 2 of 1953.
(,0’) I.O. to F.O. P.Z. 3042/30 of May 29. 1930 (E 2792/142/91 of 1930).
(n*) I-O. to F.O. P.Z. 4195/30 of July 4. 1930 (E 3572/142/91 of 1930).
(,n) I.O. to F.O. P.Z. 188/34 of January 12. 1934 (E 241/231/91 of 1934).
("*) I.O. to F.O. Ext. 375/42 of January 30. 1942 (E 709/220/34 of 1942).
(m) I.O. to F.O. P.Z. 1471/35 of March 7. 1935 (E 1557/17/91 of 1935).
( ) PR-10 F.O. 1385/2/52 of January 25. 1952 (GA 25/7 of 1952).