IOR/L/PS/18/B478

This printed secret memorandum by the India Office, dated 13 March 1944, concerns oil concessions in the Arab sheikhdoms of the Persian Gulf in the context of the United States of America's discussions on oil in the Middle East. The aim of the memorandum is to give an account of British interests, explain British relations with the rulers of the Persian Gulf states and British policy more generally, and describes various oil concessions that have been granted in these states.

The memorandum, which is signed with the initials 'F.A.K.H' of the External Department of the India Office, consists of six sections: 'The Geographical Situation and Treaty position of the Sheikhdoms', including Koweit [Kuwait], Bahrein [Bahrain], Qatar, 'The seven petty Sheikhdoms of the Trucial Coast', and Muscat; 'Strategic importance of the Sheikhdom'; 'The nature of our relations with the Rulers and the importance of maintaining our present exclusive position'; 'Oil Concessions in the Gulf'; 'HMG's interests in the oil concessions'; and 'US interests in the Persian Gulf'.

This first section of the memorandum is followed by an appendix entitled 'Details of the Oil Concessions granted in the Arab Sheikhdoms of the Persian Gulf' (folios 6-9) and is divided into sections covering Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai, Sharjah, Kalba, Ras-al-Khaimah [Ras al-Khaymah], Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm al Quwaim [Umm al-Qaywayn], Qatar, and Muscat.