Page 244 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf - Vol II) 1907-1953

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APPENDIX I
Correspondence about Facilities for the Royal Air Force—1934 and 1938
(i)
(Paragraph 115)
Letter, dated June 5 1934, from the Political Agent, Bahrain, to the Ruler
of Bahrain
With reference to the Agreement signed by Your Excellency on the subject
of the use of your aerodrome by civil aircraft, I have the honour to inform Your
Excellency that His Majesty’s Government expect that Military aircraft belonging
to or employed in the service of His Majesty shall at all times enjoy priority, when
His Majesty’s Government consider that circumstances require it, in the use of
any aerodromes which may be established or maintained for civil aircraft, and of
all facilities, without specific prior permission, and that use of such aerodromes
shall be accorded free of charge. This will not, however, affect the existing
agreement under which a rental of £120/- per annum is payable to Your
Excellency’s Government in respect of the Manamah aerodrome.

(«)
(Paragraph 115)

Letter, dated June 5 1934, from the Ruler of Bahrain to the Political Agent, Bahrain
I have received your letter No. 571 dated the 22nd Safar 1353, equivalent to
the 5th June 1934, and have understood that you have written on the subject of
landing grounds for aircraft belonging to or employed in the service of His
Britannic Majesty the King and I am willing and give my consent to it. Not only
that, but I regard it as an honour to myself to do anything which may be of help
to His Majesty the King.
(Hi)
(Paragraph 115)

Letter, dated November 3 1938, from the Adviser to the Government of Bahrain
to the Political Agent, Bahrain
I have the honour to refer to your letter No. C/509-7/5, dated 3rd August
1938, regarding the wish of His Majesty’s Government to station a detachment of
the Royal Air Force in Bahrain.
2. The matter was fully discussed by the Regency Council who wrote at
length to His Highness Shaikh Sir Hamad on the subject. His Highness has
approved of the suggestion in principle and has instructed me to discuss with you
certain details.
3. His Highness agrees to exempt from customs duty all Government stores
such as petrol and oil and materials for the necessary buildings for the operation
of the detachment. This would include food, drink, material and equipment
required for the maintenance of the staff and personnel, in a similar manner in
which His Highness has granted exemption to the Royal Navy. The exemption
from customs duty on food and liquor will include food and liquor used at !
recognised social gatherings or by honorary members of the Royal Air Force messes
or clubs, should such institutions exist in future. This point is specified in
order to avoid the necessity of separate applications on the occasion of each
entertainment.
4. The exemption relates to customs duty only and does not apply to other
charges due on imports or local taxes or rates such as motor taxes and bridge tolls
which may come into existence when the causeway is complete.
5. His Highness Shaikh Sir Hamad would like to be informed when it is
likely that building operations will commence and what is likely to be the strength
of the proposed detachment.
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