123 World War II ended, and the Americans left Sharjah. However, the R.A.F remained unauthorized. According to the signed agreement given to the British, the R.A.F’s use of the aerodrome facilities was for the duration of the war only. This was clear from Sheikh’s Sutan bin Saqr’s agreement to “sign on the map of the land on which the Royal Air Force is stationed at our State Sharjah without payment of rent.”1 On 25 June 1946, the British Foreign Office issued a report, in which it said that if there were no strong political objections to the B.O.A.C’s withdrawal from Sharjah, the R.A.F needed to make arrangements to use the aerodrome. This change of use from civil to military purposes would require signing a new agreement with the Ruler of Sharjah, or rather reaching a clear understanding with him in that regard. The report also suggested that before any discussions with the Air Ministry, the Foreign Office would be happy to present the Air Ministry and India Office with its political views on the matter.2 Such political views were clearly expressed by Mr Harrison of the Foreign Office, India, in his letter dated 6 July 1946 to the Air Ministry and India Office. He stated: 1 I.O.R./L.P.&S/12/2043, EXT.1194/1945. 2 Ibid., L.P.&S/12/2042, EXT.1878/1946.
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