Territorial problems: disputed islands

This file relates to the dispute over the Tunb Islands and Abu Musa. It contains:

• A breakdown in the dialogue between Iran and Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah over the islands and the Gulf Median Line and the efforts of HMG to encourage the two Rulers to seek a settlement with Iran before British withdrawal in 1971
• The encouragement of HMG for the Iranians to invite the Rulers to further talks
• The future of Bahrain and Iranian efforts to create linkage with the Gulf islands
• Plans to establish a Sharjah police post on Abu Musa
• A reply from HMG to an Iranian protest note issued in February over Abu Musa
• Iranian complaints concerning advice over Sirri allegedly given by the Political Agent in Dubai to the Ruler there
• An Iranian note concerning a dhow from Sharjah under pilot A’bid Ebn-e Saif [Captain Obeid Ben Saif] detained for smuggling
• An invitation to talks about the islands sent by Iran to the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi and to the Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi
• Talks between Sir D A H Wright and the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the perception, among HMG circles, that the Shah has shown movement on the issue of the islands
• The possibility of a settlement based on shared or mutually uncontested sovereignty; the establishment of an Iranian military presence; and the sharing of mineral rights.