Territorial issues relating to the Persian Gulf Islands (Abu Musa and the Tunbs)

This file concerns Iran's dispute over Abu Musa and the Tunb Islands with Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. It contains correspondence relating to:

• Discussions between British officials, the Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and other Iranian dignitaries, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi and the Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi
• The Personal Representative of the Foreign Secretary Sir W H T Luce’s shuttle diplomacy and efforts to reach a settlement on the islands and the broader future of the region
• The importance to Iran of resolving the dispute before progressing towards the United Arab Emirates
• Reports from naval patrols around the Tunbs and sightings of unidentified ships
• A proposed settlement by Luce and the Iranian Ambassador to the UK Amir Khosrow Afshar to the Rulers of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah
• Coverage on the dispute in the Iranian and international press
• The high stakes for Anglo-Iranian relations with the Shah offering lucrative contracts for Britain if the dispute is settled in his favour and threatening to undermine the Gulf union and withdraw from the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) if not
• The position of Abu Dhabi and the other Trucial States, Saudi Arabia and the US
• A simultaneous dispute concerning oil concessions, Buttes Gas and Oil Company and Occidental Petroleum Corporation
• The Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Khalid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s planned visit to the US
• British contingency military plans in case of a raid on the island by Arab guerrillas.