Page 196 - The Origins of the United Arab Emirates_Neat

11 The Exercise of Power:
British Representatives

‘Here we have a coast line some 2,500 miles in length from
Kuwait to Dhofar consisting of some dozen independent Arab
Shaikhdoms, in some of which very primitive conditions prevail.
In these Shaikhdoms we have important strategical interests, the
Air Route, oil fields and Naval Base, and between these Shaikhdoms
and their neighbouring states—Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Persia—are
various questions which afTcct us and the negotiations for which
in fact we conduct. We are moreover interested in the trade
on the Arab side, and much of this trade is in the hands of
British Indian Merchants. In most Shaikhdoms are colonies of
British Indian subjects, who even in the more primitive ones
enjoy a high standard of security for their lives and security.
In addition to our strategical and political interests, under our
Orders in Council we actually administer the law in the larger
Shaikhdoms both to our own subjects, and generally speaking
to foreigners. Yet in spite of all these combined interests . . .
we pay no subsidies to any Shaikhs. . . . We raise no tribal
levies. . . . We do not maintain a single soldier or policeman
on the whole of the Arab side. . . . Our expenses and commitments
are in fact limited to one Resident, three Political Agents and
their office staffs!1

In 1938 Fowle could thus point out with pride the extent of
British achievements in the Gulf and the minimal cost, in terms
both of human effort and of financial expenditure, at which they
had been secured. There can be little doubt of the accuracy of
the statement, but, in his enthusiasm to praise the system that
had established such a firm and profitable position for Britain,

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