Saud for the carrying out of this reconnaissance, and for the use of the route. Aircraft, however, have already flown between Koweit and Bahrein without requiring to make an intermediate landing. Sections from Bahrein to Muscat.—In March 1927 a Royal Air Force ground reconnaissance party visited these sections. All the sites required for refueling grounds were reconnoitred and selected. That is to say, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Al Auhi and Muscat. Of the emergency grounds required, however, it was only possible, owing to the attitude of the minor Shaikhs, to select definitely those in the Batina section (towards Muscat). Attitude of the minor Shaikhs.—The Shaikhs whose authority lies mainly on the coastline and does not extend inland, e.g. the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi, and those in the Batina section, which includes Al Auhi, are under British influence and are at the mercy of any action we might take from the sea. The few inhabitants of Yas Island were also found friendly, and no difficulty, therefore, should arise in establishing the landing grounds required at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and in the Batina section. The attitude of the Sultan of Muscat has throughout been most friendly. The Shaikhs, however, whose territory extends further inland are naturally more at the mercy of Ibn Sand and have accepted Wahabism to a greater extent. Thus, the Shaikh of Qatar was opposed to the establishment of a landing ground in his territory, stating to the reconnaissance party that it would place him in great difficulty with the subjects of Ibn Saud, who visited his port in considerable numbers. In regard to his objection, however, it was observed by the British Resident at Bushire that these difficulties might not be found to be insuperable, but might be surmounted by a financial arrangement. The Bariami Shaikh (Oman section) definitely barred the progress of the reconnaissance party, stating that the country belonged to Ibn Saud; and in spite of every effort by the British Wazir of Muscat who accompanied the party, refused to grant permission to proceed and obliged the party to turn northward out of his country to Sharjah. Summary.—On these sections, therefore, between Bahrein and Muscat, the present position (1928) is that the refuelling grounds required have been reconnoitred but the intermediate emergency landing grounds have for the most part not yet been reconnoitred ; and it is necessary to arrange for the completion of the reconnaissance and the use of the route. Baluchistan Section.—From Muscat this route leaves the Arabian shore and crosses by a sea flight of 226 miles to the Baluchistan coast at Gwadar. No difficulties are anticipated in regard to facilities on the Baluchistan section. The Government of India have already agreed to provide a landing ground near Pasni. Air Ministry, 23rd August 1928. https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100029571336.0x000006
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