British Interests in Qatar

British Interests in Qatar

• British involvement in Qatar intensified after oil was discovered in Masjid Soliman, Iran, in 1908, prompting exploration in the Gulf region.
• Sheikh Abdullah aimed to ensure a smooth succession for his son Sheikh Hamad as crown prince, seeking British recognition of this transition.

Sheikh Abdullah’s Concerns

• Abd al-Aziz al-Saud's growing power raised concerns for Sheikh Abdullah, especially after his seizure of Al-Ahsa in 1913.
• Fears escalated that Abd al-Aziz might attempt to expand into Qatar, prompting British intervention to maintain stability in the Gulf.
• The Treaty of Darin (1915) was established to prevent Abd al-Aziz from attacking Qatar and other Gulf emirates, ensuring their sovereignty.

Treaty of 1916

• The Treaty of 1916 was an agreement of British protection over Qatar, signed by Sheikh Abdullah and Sir Percy Cox.
• Although Qatar was not a British colony, it was part of the British Empire under treaty relations with unique conditions.
• The treaty promised British support to Sheikh Abdullah during internal threats while safeguarding Qatar's sovereignty.

Practical Application Post-World War I

• Following WWI, British commitments were often overlooked, leading Sheikh Abdullah to seek military assistance regarding internal and external threats.
• British officials conveyed reluctance to intervene in Qatar's internal matters, only affirming support against external aggressions.
• The British delayed additional arms support and did not approve succession plans for Sheikh Hamad.

Treaty of Jeddah (1927)

• After Abd al-Aziz al-Saud's territorial expansion, the Treaty of Jeddah was signed to reaffirm British protection for Gulf states, including Qatar.
• The treaty specified:
  • Abd al-Aziz would not attack Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, or the Omani coast.
  • He would refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of these regions.

British-Qatari Relations and the Airport Negotiations

• The establishment of the British Royal Air Force in 1918 increased Qatar's significance in British strategic interests.
• British efforts to build air facilities were initially met with resistance from regional rulers, including the Sheikh of Qatar.
• The construction of airports became crucial as air routes to India evolved, leading to increased interaction and agreements with Gulf leaders.

Supply and Military Support Issues

• The 1916 Treaty committed Britain to supply Qatar with arms, including 500 rifles and ammunition annually.
• Delays in British support were evident, prompting Sheikh Abdullah to negotiate for military supplies ahead of potential conflicts.
• In 1926, Qatar received promised arms, but subsequent requests for additional military support were rebuffed by Britain.

Conflict and British Political Engagement

• Disputes over borders between Bahrain and Qatar arose in 1937 due to rising oil exploration interests, leading to claims and unrest.
• Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah sought to solidify ties with Britain by appointing a British political agent and reaffirming earlier agreements.
• On August 23, 1949, Britain appointed John Wilton as Qatar’s first political agent, marking a significant step in formalizing British influence in the region.

Delayed Political Presence

• The appointment of a political agent in Qatar was delayed due to Sheikh Abdullah's hesitance to lose control and Britain's preference for voluntary requests for representation.
• Increased interest in oil exploration post-WWII prompted Britain to formally engage and establish a political presence in Qatar.