890F.6363 Standard Oil Co./36: Telegram

The Chargé in Great Britain ( Atherton ) to the Secretary of State

65. Department’s 321, December 29, 6 p.m. and subsequent. Foreign Office note received today states the necessary authorization has [Page 829] been issued in Palestine and Trans-Jordan for aeroplane to fly over these territories and land at Gaza. “In the case of Koweit and Bahrein, however, I regret to inform you that general regulations, made by the ruler of those two principalities, prohibit entirely all flights by civil aircraft except those of aviation companies which have received or may receive permission to include these planes [places] on regular flying services. A strict prohibition of this kind has been found necessary in view of local conditions; the utmost importance is attached to maintaining it intact and no exceptions are made even in the case of [British] aviators …18 in the circumstances you will appreciate that it is not possible for me to obtain the permission requested in respect of Koweit and Bahrein”.

Permit for Iraq already in possession of Embassy. Legation at Cairo reports Egyptian Government agreeable to flight over Egyptian territory.

Have informed local company representative.

Atherton
  1. Omission indicated in the original telegram.