Page 167 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol II

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approach the Persian Gulf Lighting Service started to build a lighthouse on the
island. Owing to its doubtful ownership no Ruler was consulted before the work
began. Subsequently Abu Dhabi started making enquiries and in view of the 1936
precedent he was asked in writing whether he had any objection to the work. He
replied that he had no objection (Appendix E (i) and (ii)). In 1953 he raised no
objection to the erection by the oil company holding the Qatar sea-bed concession
of a “ slave ” wireless station on the island provided his deputy (in his absence)
was informed of the matter in writing.^”) This was done.
55. Shura’awah and Daiyinah —The status of the former is described by
Lonmer as indeterminate while the latter is said to belong to Abu Dhabi.C") So
far as is known the Ruler of Qatar has as yet claimed neither of these islands but
it is possible that he may do so. In 1937 the Political Resident recommended that
Abu Dhabi should be advised to fly his Hag on Shur’awah but the proposal does
not appear to have been pursued.
56. Las Hat Islands.—These islands lie about 8 miles olT the coast of Qatar
to the north of the mouth of the Khor al Odaid. They do not appear to be
mentioned by Lorimer. They have been marked by Petroleum Development
(Trucial Coast) Ltd. as belonging to Abu Dhabi but arc likely to be claimed by
Qatar.
57. Dalmah—The island possesses potable water and is inhabited. The
Ruler of Abu Dhabi keeps a representative on it, and it is his State's main pearling
centre.
58. Bani Yas.—The Royal Air Force at one time maintained a
landing-ground and petrol storage tank on the island but these have been
abandoned for some years (paragraphs 113 and 116 below).
59. Das.—With Abu Dhabi’s permission the Royal Navy use this island for
gunnery practice.
60. Sir Bu Na’ir.—This island belongs to Sharjah. In 1936 the Ruler of
Sharjah granted permission for the erection of a beacon on it for Royal Air Force
purposes.C) So far as is known the Persians have never laid claim to it. In 1952
there was a rumour that they intended to send a party to it, but this proved to be
unfounded. Golden Valley Colours Ltd. hold a red oxide concession for it from
the Ruler of Sharjah. It (with Bu Musa) is regarded as being included with the
British Empire for the purposes of entitlement to Imperial Preference^1J)
61. Bu Musa.—This island is inhabited and is under the effective control of
the Ruler of Sharjah, who flies his flag there on occasions. In 1951-52 his brother
resided there as Governor. Golden Valley Colours Ltd. hold a red oxide
concession for the island (paragraphs 157-158 below). The Persian claim to the
island is discussed below (paragraphs 64-69 below).
62. Sirri.—The status of this island has remained unchanged during the
period under review. It is discussed at length in a recent Foreign Office Minute
which shows that Her Majesty’s Government recognise the Persians’ de facto but
not their de jure ownership of the island.C'1) In 1951 H.M.S. Flamingo visited it
in ignorance of its status and found a few Persian guards there. A protest couched
in moderate language was received from the Persian Government.(“) No reply
was sent to it beyond an acknowledgement.
63. Tamb and Nahiyu Tamb.—The islands have been regarded as belonging
to Ras al Khaimah since the later became independent of Sharjah in 1921.(4i)
Tamb is inhabited and the headman of the village is supposed to hoist the Ras al
Khaimah flag whenever a ship visits the island, but requires keeping up to the mark.
Shaikh Sultan made little attempt to assert his authority over the island and in
1935 removed his flag for a time (paragraph 31 above). The present Ruler is
reported to be exercising more control over it. The Persian Gulf Lighting
Service have maintained a manned lighthouse on the island since 1913, the consent
of the Ruler of Sharjah (which then included Ras al Khaimah) having been
obtained to its establishment (Appendix F).

(3*) PR toFO 1088/21/53 of May 5. 1953 (EA 1434/1 of 1953).
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