IOR/L/PS/12/2884

The file contains papers, mainly correspondence, relating to relations between Iraq and Kuwait (Koweit), mostly concerning alleged instances of incursions into Kuwaiti territory by Iraqi police in pursuit of smugglers, and proposals for the demarcation of the frontier between Iraq and Kuwait.

It includes papers relating to the following: the proposed establishment of a Kuwait frontier post at Rodha to counter incursions by Iraqi police into Kuwaiti territory, and the question of British military support for the Shaikh of Kuwait’s forces in the event of an attack from Iraq; the possibility of a small British force, such as an armoured car detachment, being stationed permanently in Kuwait; and the conclusions of a special commission set up by the Iraqi Prime Minister to investigate reported incursions by Iraqi police into Kuwait in March 1939 that these incidents took place within Iraqi territory.

The main correspondents are as follows: the India Office; the Foreign Office; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; HM Embassy, Baghdad; the External Affairs Department of the Government of India; the Political Agent, Kuwait; the Ruler [Shaikh] of Kuwait; the Air Ministry; and the Minister Resident, Cairo.

The file also includes the minutes of a meeting at the Foreign Office on 1 November 1937 between HM Ambassador to Iraq, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, and representatives of the India Office and the Foreign Office, to discuss the issue of smuggling from Kuwait into Iraq.