Confidential - 2 - with the opinions about the Sultan and his government which he has expzessed to Major Buda (and inplied to me). I believe that the explanation is that Zaid's tribes have in the past been taking advantage of his power, and of his reluctance to curb them in case such action should be detrimental to his popularity, to expand their tribal areas in his name. This has possibly led to his unpopularity amonget neighbouring Tuscati tribes such as the Bani Ka'ab, and possibly to the hardening of his relations with Muscat. I think that Zaid considers that a frontier settlement arranged by Her Majestyle Government may be the best way out of this difficulty, as then any decrease in the areas allotted to Abu Dhabi tribes can be laid at the door of Her Majesty's Government, and so Zaid's relations with luscat and his neighbours could be improved without risking his popularity amongst his own mene 5. As I have also already mentioned. I discussed the question of a frontier settlement with Abdullah Salin, of the Beni Kalab and Mohammed bin Salmin of the A2 bu shainis. Abaullah was anxious about the coldness between himself and Zaid, and was correspondingly desirous of getting the boundary settled with Her Majesty's Government as the go between so that the tribe smen should lenow the correct position'. Mohammed bin Salinin agreed that it would be advantageous to get down his boundary with shailch Zaia in writing where it was undisputed, but was convinced of the Justice of his case where it was disputed and could see no further than that. However, he agreed that it would be worthwhile for me to collect evidence to persuade Shaikh Said that he (Hohammed) was right. The only bit of evidence I had time to collect was in Zaid's favour. 6. Leslie Chauney and I went down to Salalah to report progress to the Sultan on May 19th. Though tired he listened patiently and appeared to approve of the proceedings. He is obviously occupied with the idea that useat communications shoula run only through Muscati territory and he also appears to be antious that Sharjah and. Abu Dhabi communications shoula have to pass through is territory. He was therefore disappointed that all the tracks south from Buraimi and the Wadi Jizz1 run through undisputed Abu Dhabi tezitory, and we discussed this question and the question of the Buraimi Wadi Jissi route in some detail. I hope, later, to be able to persuade him that the tribal frontiers are Bo situated as to make it necessary for both him and the Trucial States Rulers to co-operate over communications, rather than to rejoice over potential road bloeling sa the present tendeney appears to be 7. During the meeting I cleared my immediate future programme with the Sultan. This will include discussion with the Rulers of the Taucial Statem not already approached, to find out their attitude to a negotiated frontier settlement; a tour of the Res al Khaimah Shihuhareas and if I have time the completion of copies of my maps for the Sultan so that I can present them to him when I make a final report in London. I also outlined the programme that I would hope to cazzy out were the Foreign Office to send me back to the Persian Gulf nett winter. This consists of tours of the southern section of the Abu Dhabi/museat boundary with the Duru and Bani Qitab belonging to Museat, and a tour with the Shihuh of the Baiah area should they agree. I should also be collecting further evidence for aiscussion with the various Rulers and would after the consideration of that evidence, negotiate with /the Confidential
