kuwait& britain

8/14/2019 KUWAIT& BRITAIN

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Kuwait- 2007

KUWAIT AND BRITAINA HISTORIC FRIENDSHIP

Prepared By

The Centre For Research and Studies on Kuwait


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Images References:

* Al-Hijji, Yacoub. Old Kuwait: Memories, in Photographs,Centre for Research and Studies on Kuwait,

2004.

* Ali Rai's Collection, Ministry of Information Archive, Kuwait News Agency Archives.

* Facey, William and Gillian Grant. Kuwait by the First Photographers, London,1998.

* Facey, William. Kuwait and Britain: Two Centuries of Friendship, British Council, Kuwait, 1995.

* Fraster, Lovat.India Under Curzon and After, London, 1911.

* Slot, B J. The Origins of Kuwait, Kuwait, 1998.


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Preamble:

Kuwait's recorded relation with Britainstarted in mid 1775 when the British mail

route from India to Aleppo via the Gulf was

unloaded at Kuwait instead of Zubair and

Basra.

This desert route was of particular importance

to the British East India Company not onlyfor forwarding mail to and from India, but

also serving wide commercial purposes.

Kuwait seems to have offered a solution to the

difficulties of the British East India Company

in transporting and marketing Indian goods in

Syria, the Middle East and European

countries.


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Maritime skill and naval interest are of the most vital mutual characteristics of the Kuwaiti and British people

A Kuwaiti sailing shipA British sailing ship


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In July 1776, Mr Latouche, the British EasternIndia Company agent in Basra, asked

Lieutenant Twiss, captain of the ship 'Terrible'

to follow up mail there, and take measures to

regulate and organize it.

In November 1777, Kuwait was visited by the

British Company's ship the 'Eagle.' Its crew

reported that Kuwait harbour was suitable for

anchorage. The report continued that it was

walled and received the caravans which

enjoyed security.

In the Early 1970s difficulties with the

Ottoman officials compelled Samuel Manesty

and the staff of the British Factory at Basra to

move into Kuwait in April 1793 and

established themselves there until August

1795. Their selection of Kuwait as a place of

refuge for their Factory implies that it cannot

have been in any way an Ottoman dependency.


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A photo of Frans Canter letter, the senior secretary of

the Dutch East Indian Company at Basra. The letter

was written in Kuwait and was mailed to one of hisrelatives in Aleppo.

Before the British Trading

Agency moved from Basra in

1793, Kuwait was an important

trading centre as clearly

mentioned in the Dutch reports.

The diary of the History of

Medicine of the British surgeon

Piggott, kept in Wellcome

Library in London (No 3906),

shows that some caravans which

departed from Kuwait (Qurain)

to Aleppo in 1758 consisted of

5000 camels and 1000 men.

(The Origins of Kuwait, Slot, p 136).


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The reports revealed that Sheikh Abdullahal-Sabah, the then ruler of Kuwait, was on

good terms with the British and it is also

reported that the Sheikh received them with

great hospitality on their arrival at Kuwait and

during their residence. In return, the British

Agency shared in flourishing Kuwait's

business, and its economic development. The

chairman of the British Factory had not only

good relations with Kuwait's Sheikh but it also

extended to many Kuwaiti merchants whose

vessels the Factory sometimes used to

transport the Company's mail into India in

order to evade the French fleet which got in theway of the British ships during the last decade

of the eighteenth century.


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An old cannon on the coast of Kuwait City, photographed by Allen Villiers in 1939


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A photo, dated 23 April 1841, of

the agreement signed by Sheikh

Sabah Bin Jaber on behalf of his

father Sheikh Jaber Bin Abdulla

al-Sabah in which he committed

himself to spread security and

fight piracy in the Gulf.


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The First Agreement Between Britain and Kuwait (1841)

Good relations between Kuwait and Britain continued even after reestablishing the factory atBasra during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Although Kuwait did not sign the

January Agreement of 1820, which tried to regulate relations between the sheikhdoms of

Oman coasts, Kuwait-British relations and personal interrelations between Kuwait's ruler and

the Factory staff in the Gulf were still on good terms.

One of the important events at that time was the relocation of the British Factory for a second

time from Basra to Kuwait from 15 December 1921 till April 1922.

The British selection of Kuwait instead of any other Gulf capital shows that Kuwait enjoys a

good political and commercial reputation since that selection followed the Agreement of 8

January 1820 (Trucial States) from which Kuwait abstained from endorsing.

In 1839, and due to the Turkish -Egyptian danger in the Gulf, Captain Hill and his assistant

Edmonds tried to officially be bound with the ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber, whom they

considered a good friend of the British Government.

When the struggle between Iran, the Ottoman State and the British authorities affected the

maritime activity and pearl diving, Kuwait decided to sign the Naval Agreement which Britain

called the countries of the region to join for security, stability and in protection of ship owners

from the dangers that resulted from such conflict.

That agreement was signed by Sheikh Sabah Bin Jaber on behalf of his father in April 1841.


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A rare text of Lewis Pelly about Kuwaiti Emirs and

their rule philosophy, which emphasized adherence

to friendship and justice to spread prosperity in their

country.

Lewis Pelly


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Lewis Pelly Visited Kuwait

Kuwait received a number of British officials during the reign of Sheiks Jaber and Sabah whichmarked good relations between Kuwait and Britain. Colonel Lewis Pelly, the British Political

Resident in the Gulf, visited Kuwait in the 1860s. On his first visit on 4 March 1863, he spent

three days followed by a second visit on his way to Riyadh on 18 February 1865 for three

weeks. He met its ruler, Sheikh Sabah Bin Jaber. Pelly narrates what Sheikh Sabah informed

him how he managed Kuwait affairs, the political, psychological, and personal characteristics of

its ruler, and the political wisdom and cleverness he inherited from his father. He said:

"When my father was nearly 120 years old, remarked the Sheikh to me, he called me

and said, 'Soon I shall die. I have made no fortune, and can leave you no money; but I

have made many true friends, grapple them. While other states round the Gulf have

fallen off from injustice or ill-government, mine has gone on increasing. Hold to mypolicy, and though you are surrounded by a desert, and passed on by a once hostile

and still wandering set of tribes, you will flourish."

Pelly commented on Kuwait's ruler speech, saying:

"Thus a group of naval tribes could establish a stable secure country under the fostering

care of a succession of common-sense rulers and by means of a policy wisely originated

and systematically pursued, that an Arab tribe was promoted to masters of a thriving

port, which was a refuge for the oppressed, and a peaceful home to all."

"I confess I looked round with something like amazement at finding such a political

and commercial structure in such a region, and the work of such hands."

Pelly introduced a good image about Kuwait's population, its economic activities, and its

importance as a gate of the Arab desert through which one could accomplish all needed

communications with the political powers inside the Arabian Peninsula.


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Sheikh Mubarak al-Sabah , 1896 - 1915


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British-Kuwait Agreement,

January 1899

In the last decade of the nineteenth century,Britain was highly interested in the northern

areas of the Gulf, besides other European

countries, especially Germany, drew the

Ottoman State's attention due to Kuwait strategic

location to build up the Berlin-Baghdad railway

which would extend to Kazima in Kuwait.

The Ottoman State began to interfere in

Kuwait's affairs, and create an influence on its

territory. Sheikh Mubarak al-Sabah tried to

protect himself and evade the Ottoman

administration in Basra. The intrigues of Basra

rulers, and their direct and indirect ways to

have a foothold in Kuwait, forced him to

communicate with the British Political

Resident in the Gulf in February 1897.


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A photo of the Anglo-Kuwait Agreement of 1899


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Exchanged messages between Colonel Percy Cox and Sheikh Mubarak al-Sabah inwhich the latter vowed not to offer any oil concession without the consent of the

British Government (October, 1913)


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This agreement may be classified as anagreement for the "exchange of benefits (quid

pro quo)." In other words, it does not fall

under the category of arbitrary agreements,

which are concluded for the benefit of oneparty at the expense of the other. It would be,

thus, difficult to say that it was a "Protectorate

Agreement" in the traditional sense of

agreements concluded during these days.

Both Britain and Kuwait gave a thing in return

for something else:* Britain got guarantees and exceptions for its

interests and Sheikh Mubarak agreed to have a

British agent in Kuwait.

* Kuwait was satisfied that Britain would

support it against the influence of the Ottoman

State and its attempts to interfere in its affairs,

and Sheikh Mubarak would obtain the weapons

he needed to use against his enemies.


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Lord Curzon and his spouse


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Lord Curzon Visit to Kuwait

Lord Curzon, the King's viceroy in India, touredthe Gulf states during the autumn of 1903, which

was a clear indication of the new policy of Britain

in the area and asserted the distinguished historic

relations between Britain and Kuwait.

Curzon and his spouse arrived at Kuwait on 28

November 1903 on the ship Harding to find the

whole British fleet waiting for him. Sheikh

Mubarak al-Sabah went aboard of the shipaccompanied by Colonel Kembal, the British

Resident in the Gulf, to welcome the guest. On

the next morning, Lord Curzon landed at

al-Shuwaikh where Sheikh Mubarak al-Sabah

and his son Jaber al-Mubarak, his heir were

waiting him. Lord Curzon rode a luxurious cart

Sheikh Mubarak ordered from Mombay for

this occasion.


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Two hundred horsemen with their Arab horses, twenty men with their quick white camel

corps, and about 400 fighters armed with British Martini rifles beside a great tribal crowd,

received Lord Curzon and his spouse. Kuwait's lanes and roads were a spokesman who

tout--fait illustrated the image of people who knew how to welcome their guests.


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The reception cast a soft shadow on the guestswho were very pleased according to Curzon

reports, the articles of The Times and in Lord

Curzon's spouse account included in her book

The Trip Tales, published in New York in

1923.

That visit realized some urgent demands.

Sheikh Mubarak could define and delineate his

northern borders. Kuwait, also, acquired a

strong reliable friend who would adopt

Kuwait's point of view. That visit also

emphasized Kuwait prestige in the region and

the Ottoman State put into consideration

Kuwait's Sheikh.

Mubarak's relation with Lord Curzon

continued even after his retirement. Sheikh

Mubarak consoled him on his spouse demise.


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British troops in Kuwait in April 1928


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Relations after Mubarak

Well established relations continued betweenthe two countries after Mubarak's era. His

successors kept all the agreements he signed

with them. Britain presented numerous

overtures to Kuwait in health, communication,

and postal services as well as military support

to defend Kuwait when facing danger as had

taken place in 1920 and 1928.

In the 1930s, the late Sheikh Ahmed al-Jaber

al-Sabah signed a concession with Kuwait Oil

Company -a British company- to drill for oil,

refine and export it. Drilling for oil halted

during WWII. The first oil cargo was shippedto Britain on 30 June 1946. Therefore both

parties benefited:


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The Late Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah after receiving the India medal

standing between Sir Jeffery Prior and commodore Hanson, the commander of the naval forces

in the Gulf, and Lewis Pelly, the British Political Resident in Kuwait


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Britain secured a source of energy for itsrequirements and Kuwait guaranteed a new era

of progress and prosperity.

It is worthy of note that the late Sheikh Ahmad

al-Jaber was the first Kuwaiti official who

visited Britain. After the allies victory in WWI,

the late Sheikh Salem al-Mubarak delegated

his crown prince Sheikh Ahmad to

congratulate King George V. Sheikh Ahmad

al-Jaber met King George V on 30 October

1919 offering him three presents: an Arab

gold-plated dagger, a historic sword and an

Arab horse.

Sheikh Ahmad toured Britain where he visitedits landmarks. On 15 May 1935, he revisited

Britain after he had taken the reins of power.


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HH the late Sheikh Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah with Mr James Callahan

the former British Prime Minister


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During the 1950s, Kuwait benefited from theBritish experience to modernize the state.

Kuwait sent students and delegates to Britain to

specialize in many fields.

In 1955, the late Sheikh Sabah al-Salem visited

Britain during his post as police director. For

seven days he visited the Foreign

Administration in the Ministry of Interior,

Scotland Yard, Police training schools, map

section, information and fingerprint section,

and other police sections.

This visit helped the late Sheikh Sabah to adopt

many procedures which developed the police

agency in Kuwait.


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HH Sheikh Abdullah al-Salem al-Sabah and the British Political Resident of Her Majesty in the

Gulf, Sir William Loss, signing independence document between the Kuwaiti Government and

its counterpart, the British Government


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The Independence of Kuwait, 19 June, 1961

Kuwait independence represents an understanding between the United Kingdom (UK) andKuwait, opposite to many countries that had relations with Britain. According to national,

regional, and international aspects, Kuwait independence was a must and Britain accepted. On

19 June 1961, independence was announced in both London and Kuwait. The Emir of Kuwait,

Sheikh Abdullah al-Salem and the British Political Resident of Her Majesty in the Gulf, Sir

William Los, exchanged letters to end the 1899 Agreement, declaring Kuwait's independence,

continuation of friendly relations between the two parties and British government readiness to

help its counterpart, the Kuwaiti government.

In July, immediately after Kuwait's independence, Abdulkareem Qasim, the ruler of Iraq,

aroused the whole world when he threatened to occupy Kuwait. Sheikh Abdullah al-Salem

issued a statement asserting that Kuwait is an independent Arab sovereign state, and that "the

Kuwaiti people are determined to defend their country, and the he is convinced that the Arab

States and other friendly peace loving states will support Kuwait to preserve its independence."

Britain hurried to protect Kuwait and face aggression; its forces resided in Kuwait till 10October when they were substituted by Arab forces called by the Arab League. They resided in

Kuwait till the fall of that Iraqi regime.


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The Meeting between the late Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah and Her Majesty Queen

Elizabeth II, Queen of the UK, during her visit to Kuwait in 1979.


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In continuation of good relations between Kuwait and Britain , HH the late Emir of KuwaitSheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah invited Queen Elizabeth of the UK to visit Kuwait on 12 May

1979. It was the Queen's first visit to Kuwait. She was accompanied by her husband Duke of

Edinburgh. On her itinerary, she visited al-Seef Palace, Ahmadi City, the exhibition of Kuwait

Oil Company (KOC), and attended the popular ceremony prepared for her visit to Kuwait. HHthe Emir held a dinner in her honour, and exchanged medals. On the third day she left Kuwait

after a cordial reception which shows the deep relation between the two countries that spans

200 years.


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HH the Father Emir Sheikh Sa'ad al-Abdullah al-Salem al-Sabah in his

meeting with Baronet Margaret Thatcher in her visit to Kuwait in 1991


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The Kuwaitis will never forget the great role played by Britain in liberating Kuwait from theIraqi occupation of August 1990. Margaret Thatcher, the then Prime Minister, played a vital

role to foment the world powers to denounce and deter the aggressor. The British military

troops were the third in number after the American and the Saudi troops. Indeed it was the first

British troops deployment after WWII.

British companies and foundations participated in Kuwait's reconstruction after its liberation.

Reconstruction included the repair of roads, bridges, water and energy networks and

participating in the extinguishing of oil wells and elimination of landmines.

HH the Emir visited the UK on 2 October 1991, after Kuwait's liberation, where he met with a

number of British politicians to show Kuwait's appreciation and gratitude for the Britishcomprehensive and effective participation in liberating Kuwait. HH urged them to exert their

efforts to obtain the release of Kuwaiti prisoners and third party detainees in the Iraqi jails

during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait.

On an invitation of HH Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad, Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister

arrived at Kuwait on 23 November 1991. That invitation was extended as an appreciation andhonour for the vital role the UK played in forming the international coalition against Saddam

Hussein who stunned the world by invading Kuwait on 2 August, 1990.


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The late Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber in company of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the

Queen of Britain (May, 1995)


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Because of the late Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmadal-Sabah interest in the Gulf area stability, the

necessity of Iraq's compliance with the

international will and the execution of all

Security Council resolutions related to the Iraqi

aggression against Kuwait, HH paid a second

visit to the British capital on 24 May 1995. He

was highly welcomed by Her Majesty the

Queen, and the then Prime Minister, John

Major. The discussions run in the British

Government headquarters dealt with bilateral

relations, the security status in the Gulf, and the

importance of stability there. HE John Major

stated that the Emir visit incarnated strong

friendly relations between Britain and its oldest

ally in the Gulf.


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Of the Emir speeches during this meeting:

I would like to express Kuwait's people

gratitude and appreciation to the British People

for their noble and firm attitude during the

despot aggression against our land which

Kuwait's people would never forget.

HH the late Emir with Mr John Major the former

UK Prime Minister


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HH the Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah with Mr Tony Blair,

the British Prime Minister


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Those visits contributed to cementing the British relations. They coped with different politicalcircumstances; participated in education, commerce, defence, development, training and

exchanging experience in managing economy; paid attention to the English language, which is

the second language in Kuwait and helped many Kuwaitis to visit Britain for business,

education, medical treatment, and tourism.

* * * *

HH Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, during his former career as a Minister of

Foreign Affairs, and later a Prime Minister, had many friendly relations with key British

personnel especially ministers of foreign affairs. Those relations extended for four decades.There was coordination in attitudes and stances; understanding in the mutual issues, and hard

work to realize security and stability in the region.

HH Sheikh Sabah present visit, after he has taken the reins of power in Kuwait, indicates the

importance of mutual relations and emphasizes its continuation in a way to serve the two

countries' interests in particular and the Gulf and Arab ones in general.


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