Claims of Iran to disputed islands in Persian Gulf

This file is part of a sequence of files relating to Iran's claim to the Tunb Islands, disputed with Ras Al Khaimah, and to Abu Musa, disputed with Sharjah, in the Strait of Hormuz. It contains correspondence and memoranda from August 1971 concerning the search for a solution to this dispute and to the interconnected issue of establishing the Union of Arab Emirates, including reference to:

• The views of W H T Luce; his talks with the Iranian Ambassador in London Amir Khosrow Afshar; and the draft elements of a settlement
• Afshar's talks with Foreign Secretary Alec Douglas-Home
• Arab and Iranian press comment, including Kayhan International
• Briefing papers for British diplomatic posts
• A Financial Times cutting, 'Tanker charter rates for Gulf recede', 16 August 1971
• A description of Abu Musa, including its population, administration and way of life
• The view of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan
• The views of J F Walker
• The prospects of UN membership for Qatar and the Union
• A request for the Bank of England's comments on a draft for a protection against devaluation clause in a draft financial agreement
• The UK Ambassador in Iran P E Ramsbotham's outline of the proposed action if the Rulers of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah reject the outcome of discussions with Afshar
• The views of Douglas-Home.