Bahraini claims to Zubarah

This file relates to the re-opening of the Zubarah dispute between the Bahrain and Qatar after a Bahrain school excursion to the area, and the defacing of a wall by schoolboys, led to a complaint by the Ruler of Qatar Sheikh Ali Bin Abdulla Al Thani that this contradicted the 1950 settlement. It contains correspondence concerning:

• Police precautions for countering a potential threat to public security caused by the presence of a large body of unauthorised people from Bahrain in Zubarah
• The installation of a Qatari police post near Zubarah; and Britain's failed efforts to have it removed
• The Ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa's refusal to agree to prior notification of visits to Zubarah until Sheikh Ali removes his police post
• The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf W R Hay's concern that Sheikh Salman may prevent Petroleum Concessions Limited's use of Bahrain as a base, and stop the Qatar services using Gulf Aviation Company Limited, and his suggestion that the Ruler's invitation to the Queen's coronation may have to be withdrawn
• A map [not enclosed] published by the Bahrain Education Department, which includes a large part of the western coast of Qatar as being part of Bahrain and its dependencies
• An agreement between the two rulers to restore friendly relations
• The possibility of arbitration and the Ruler of Kuwait Sheikh Abdulla Al Saleem Al Sabah's willingness to help mediate if requested
• A summary, produced by the Research Department, of Bahrain's territorial claim to Zubarah and British reactions
• The possibility of raising Sheikh Ali's title to 'Highness' and awarding him a KBE.