890F.6363/12–649: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Childs) to the Secretary of State
704. Embtel 671, November 18.1 Owen, ARAMCO, informs His Majesty has despatched note, dated November 26, but apparently only delivered to British around December 1, to Shaikh Kuwait re Persian Gulf isle, Arabi. Contents similar to that sent Bahrain.
After preliminary expressions friendship and community of interest two rulers, King states he informed Shaikh Kuwait has given BAPCO permission one isle. (This incorrect since BAPCO never approached Kuwait but had permission forced upon it by Political Resident Persian Gulf.) Since Arabi belongs Saudi Arabia on historical and geographical grounds, His Majesty has ordered BAPCO cease operations thereon and withdraw. Note concludes by expressing willingness discuss matter with Shaikh Kuwait in order arrive at amicable settlement.
At Foreign Office this a.m. Shaikh Yusef said he had been busy with frontier question since his return. He showed me British note [Page 161] of May 23, 1949 requesting SAG take no action re disputed isles, including Arabi, in Persian Gulf which might in any way prejudice status. (This seems be “missing note” referred to our A–442, November 22,2 which SAG previously unable locate in its files.) Yusef Yassin remarked he had learned on his return markers had just been placed on these isles by SAG with ARAMCO assistance. Yusef Yassin has wished indicate this situation thrown into his lap without his being consulted. Department will recall that, in absence both Yusef Yassin and Fuad Hamzah, isle controversy entrusted to Feisal committee which worked in conjunction with Finance Minister.
Sent Department, pouched London Dhahran.