Development projects and contracts in Kuwait appointment of British advisers and technicians

This file contains correspondence relating to:

• Possible departure of the Chief Engineer in the Kuwait Public Works Department, Majed Al Din Al Jabri, including: the question of his replacement, the potential for sending a British advisor to replace him and restore confidence in British advice and assistance; HMG's displeasure at the possibility of an Arab replacement; the suggestion that Jabri has ambitions in Syria; and Henry F Ayres's rejection of the post of economic advisor (1-2, 4, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 39)
• Suggestion of W F Crawford of the British Middle East Office (BMEO) as a candidate and an analysis of the problems facing Kuwait; authorisation of him going to Kuwait to advise on long-term economic problems and development, and to make recommendations about how to exert British influence in the administration; and postponement of his visit (3, 5-6, 11-12, 13, 15, 23, 33)
• View of C J Pelly on the need to introduce a capable administrator into the Public Works Department due to its weakness; and his opinion that Jabri will not be allowed to leave Kuwait (8, 20)
• Request from Sir J Sterndale Bennett for information about Economic Counsellor in the Gulf N M P Reilly's visit and the proposed programme regarding Crawford, and plans to meet with HM Ambassadors at Damascus and Beirut regarding recent political events (10)
• L A C Fry's views on Jabri's departure and the proposed visit of Crawford to Kuwait; and the recommendation to adjust plans for Pelly's talks with the Ruler (17-18)
• Conversation between Pelly and the Ruler of Kuwait Sheikh Abdulla Al Salem Al Sabah, including his bitterness at Jabri's departure and lack of enthusiasm for Crawford's visit (19)
• Resignation of General Hasted at the instruction of the Ruler, the potential for the recruitment of a British engineer, and difficulty in finding a suitable candidate (22)
• Summary of the recent developments in Kuwait and the recommendation that Crawford's visit be postponed (24)
• Conversation between Pelly and Jabri, including the dispute over the dredging contract and Jabri's reasons for wishing to leave Kuwait (25)
• Comments on Hasted's resignation and its effect on local commercial circles, the Ruler's final offer of an increase in salary to Jabri and difficulty in defining duties and salary for any British expert who might be recruited to the Development Department (26)
• Meeting of the Kuwait Working Party on 8 March, referring to talks with Sir Edward Benthall and E B Wakefield following their visit to Kuwait (27)
• Likelihood of the Ruler's secretary Izzat Jafar and Mr Macpherson trying to introduce American personnel into the Kuwait administration, and the suggestion that this should be prevented (28, 31)
• Confirmation of Hasted's resignation, and that Jabri will stay temporarily; and the suggestion that HMG supply a man to work with or replace Jabri (29, 35)
• List of possible candidates for the post of Director of Public Works in Kuwait and the job description (30)
• List of projects likely to be carried out within the next three years (32)
• Plans for a visit of Political Resident in the Persian Gulf B A B Burrows and an enquiry into the general situation (34)
• Suspension of all construction works in Kuwait (36)
• Update from Pelly on the Development Department, including the recommendation of E C Haselden of the Sudan Agency for an administrative post (37-38)
• Discussion with Colonel G C L Chrichton regarding Jabri's position, the Public Works Department and general development in Kuwait (40-41)