Claims of Iran to disputed islands in Persian Gulf

This file is part of a sequence of files relating to Iran's claim to the Tunb Islands, disputed with Ras Al Khaimah, and to Abu Musa, disputed with Sharjah, in the Strait of Hormuz. It contains correspondence and memoranda from August-September 1971 concerning the search for a solution to this dispute and to the interconnected issue of establishing the Union of Arab Emirates, including reference to:

• A policy paper by W H T Luce designed to set down the possible consequences for Britain's interests in Iran and the Arab world generally
• Ambassador P E Ramsbotham's talks with the Iranian Minister of Court and the Iranian Foreign Minister Ardeshir Zahedi
• A draft letter from the Iranian Government to the Rulers of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah on financial assistance
• The proposed elements of a settlement discussed by Luce and the Iranian Ambassador in London Amir Khosrow Afshar; the problem of the proposed 'no publicity period'; and the problem of winning the support of the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain Sheikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Mu'alla and his son Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Mu'alla
• The question of historical title to the islands, including an Arabic document pertinent to Sharjah's title to Abu Musa and analysis of volume R/15/1/14/8 of the Bushire Political Residency records
• The attitude of the Sharjah Government to the problem
• A proposed solution whereby Iran is given sovereignty over the islands and the Rulers of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah would be given the freehold title
• A cutting from Middle East International, 'Three islands that could strangle Iran's oil artery', August 1971
• An extract from Kayhan International's editorial welcoming Qatar's independence
• A message from the Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to HMG and the Shah's meeting with Ramsbotham, including the Shah's threats to British interests in Iran, to leave the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and to destroy the Union
• Luce's meeting with the Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi to discuss the proposed settlement agreed with Afshar.