Preparations for Qatari independence

This file concerns preparations for the end of Qatar’s special treaty relations with Britain and accession to sovereign statehood. It contains correspondence relating to:

• Declining prospects of implementing the nine-state Union of Arab Emirates (consisting of the Trucial States, Bahrain and Qatar, which was agreed on in 1968)
• Preparation of a Treaty of Friendship between Britain and the Union of Arab Emirates to replace the special treaties, setting out a new relationship comprising mutual understanding and cooperation without control of foreign affairs or a defence commitment beyond an agreement to consult in time of need
• Preparation of separate Treaties of Friendship and Exchanges of Letters with Qatar and Bahrain after their decision to pursue statehood outside the Union of Arab Emirates
• Preparation of Qatar’s application for UN membership
• Designation of the last Political Agent in Qatar E F Henderson as the first British Ambassador to the new state
• Arrangements for the legislation of the new state, and the retention of British jurisdiction in some fields including exchange control
• Difficulties caused by the absence from Qatar of the Ruler Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali Al Thani, who was then receiving medical treatment in Geneva
• Future of four Pakistani prisoners held in Qatar who had been sentenced by British courts
• Visit of the Deputy Ruler of Qatar Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani to inform King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia (who continued to favour a nine-state union in the Gulf) of Qatar’s plans to pursue independent statehood
• Possible future military overflying and staging rights