Page 321 - PERSIAN 9 1931_1940

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REVIEW.

ARAB SIDE.

Royal A avy.—The chief event of naval importance in the year was the
removal of the Naval Base from llcnjam to Bahrain on the Arab Coast,
and our relinquishment of Basidu in Persian territorial waters. The situa­
tion of the Base on the Iranian side of the Gulf had several disadvantages.
A Naval Base in a foreign country is in itself anomalous, and the policy of
pinpricks and obstructiveness pursued by the local Iranian authorities
caused friction between them and His Majesty’s Sloops. The presence of
the Base was moreover a hostage to fortune in the hands of the Iranian
Government who could at any time have brought pressure to bear on His
Majesty’s Government, in connection with any questions at issue between
them, by demanding the withdrawal of the Base. In addition the diminish­
ing importance of the Iranian side of the Persian Gulf and the increasing
importance of the Arab side made it only logical that the Base should b'e
situated in the latter area. A tactful Communique giving reasons for the
move for the benefit of the Iranian Government, the Arab Shaikhdoms, and
the Press at large, was worked out by His Majesty’s Minister, Tehran, and
the Resident, and approved of by His Majesty’s Government and the Gov­
ernment of India. Contrary to expectations the Iranian Government did
not make any capital out of the move and appeared to be genuinely grateful
for a friendly gesture. On the Arab side the move created less attention
than had been anticipated, it being generally regarded as a natural change
in keeping with present-day conditions. Amongst the educated classes the
move was regarded as open proof that His Majesty’s Government had no
intention of admitting the Persian claim to Bahrain. The attitude of the
average ‘man in the bazaar’ may be summed up by the reaction of one of
the first Arabs in Bahrain who heard of the move, and who remarked “By
God, the price of eggs will go up”, which it did.
The Shaikh of Bahrain received the thanks of His Majesty’s Govern­
ment for his ready acquiesence in the establishment of the Base in his terri­
tory, and the Bahrain Government were of great assistance to the Royal
Navy in the erection of buildings at the Base.
As in previous years the Sloops of the Persian Gulf Division continued
to do excellent work on the Arab Coast, and were as usual frequently called
on the assist the Political Resident and Political Officers under him in
making their tours.
Aviation.—Following on the Air Agreement negotiated last year with
the Rulers of Bahrain, Kuwait and Muscajt, and the a.ir facilities obtained
during that period, the following facilities were obtained during the year
under review.
In February, a petrol store and emergency landing ground at Abu
Dhabi.
In December, a bomb store at Sharjah.
The Flying Boats and land machines of the Royal Air Force continued
to do useful work in connection with the establishment of the Air Route.
The Resident and Political Officers under him were enabled from time to
time to make tours in Royal Air Force machines, which proved a consider­
able convenience.
Imperial Airways continued their bi-weekly service—East and West—
throughout the year, and no incidents took place.
As in 1934 the Arab Air Route remained closed for various reasons
for private aviators.
Oil Interests.—After prolonged and somewhat complicated negotia­
tions, in which the Resident had personally to take part, an Agreement was
concluded in May with the Shaikh of Qatar, by which the latter granted
125(C) FJtPD