Political relations between UK and Kuwait

This file contains correspondence relating to:

• Sir Duncan Cumming's letter to Mr de Candole of the Kuwait Oil Company to say that he will consider accepting the post of advisor to the Ruler of Kuwait if the Foreign Office want him to reform the administration. This, however, does not materialise (1)
• Idea of establishing Kuwaiti (or Gulf, including Kuwait) representation in London, paid for by HMG to preserve the representative's independence from the Gulf Rulers. It also mentions an independent scholastic agency, which places Kuwaiti students in English schools (2)
• Summary of the situation in Kuwait and its relationship with Britain. Ewart-Briggs is concerned about: the quality and reliability of government administration; unsuccessful attempts to get the Ruler to employ another British official in the development department after the departures of General Hasted and Mr Jabri; the frivolous manner in which the Ruler suspended development work; the growing tendency of Kuwaitis to disregard British advice; the influx of Levantines and Egyptians, particularly into the education department; and the first signs of Communism spreading. Ewart-Briggs believes the Ruler does not yet wish to renounce the British connection, and is positive about the oil company, welfare and development progress, and level of imports from the sterling area. But British influence and prestige is waning. The idea of imposing regime change is discussed (3)
• Considering a pretext for stationing British army units in Kuwait as a means of applying pressure on the regime, while being mindful of the anti-imperialist political climate (4)
• Letter from Colonel Cyril Banks MP expressing concern over Sheikh Fahad's position in Kuwait, which affects British trade. Banks proposes a trade mission to explore the Egyptian market and thinks the Foreign Office should be more amenable to Emile Bustani who has good connections throughout the Arab world. The Foreign Office treat Banks' views with reserve (5)
• Criticism by representatives of the Bank of England, British Bank of the Middle East, Iraq Petroleum Company, and Sir Edward Benthall of the Foreign Office's attitude towards Kuwait. Fry believes this criticism is the result of a mistaken idea of HMG's role in Kuwait and ignorance of the limitations to which it is subject (6)