Independence for Qatar

This file relates to preparations for the independence of Qatar. It contains correspondence concerning:

• The drafting of the Exchange of Notes and Treaty of Friendship, including amendments by Dr Hasan Kamel; HMG's avoidance of informing the Qataris that the documents drafts were of Bahraini origin; and the question of when they will be signed
• Political Resident G G Arthur's warning that the Ruler should return to Qatar to sign the documents and not do so in Geneva; the question of the Deputy Ruler Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani signing; and Arthur's assertion that he should sign on behalf of HMG as he did so with Bahrain
• Qatar's intention to apply for UN membership
• The legal details, process, and timetable for the retrocession of jurisdiction, including the question of prisoners convicted by Her Britannic Majesty's Court
• The Political Agency's change of status to the British Embassy, and the consequent changes to official insignia, notarial acts, and status of personnel
• The Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum's doubts about Qatar's intention to proceed with independence
• The question of how Qatar and Bahrain inform the US that they will be responsible for their own foreign relations; and the process by which the US can recognise Bahrain and Qatar as independent states
• The Ruler of Qatar Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali Al Thani's conveyance of congratulations to Bahrain
• Qatar's application to the International Civil Aviation Organization
• Arthur's attempts to bluff Qatar into accepting a continuation of the present exchange control system, as Bahrain has done
• The question of military overflight and staging rights
• The drafting of the independence announcement; and the question of its timing
• Congratulatory messages from the Queen, Prime Minister Edward Heath and Foreign Secretary Sir Alec Douglas-Home