41 works or the affairs of the business of the divers inhabiting the said islands.” 3 After the agreement was signed, work on the island of Abu Musa began.4 In the first year of the agreement, 1935, tunnels were bored, and railways extended across from the mine to the shore, the workers residences were built, and a 4-room hut for the mining engineer, Bacon, was constructed. All seemed to live in comfort. In the second year, the production was small, but the beginning of the third year, 1937, the production was large.5 As the work progressed, the workers were surprised to see a bright yellow mineral was recovered with the red oxide. This was reported to Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr al-Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. He raised an objection and requested a special agreement regarding the shining mineral. The news also reached commander Bayldon who responded saying that the said shining mineral was nothing but red oxide and as such it was indeed part of the agreements in existence. He explained that owing to some natural reactions, the oxide might look bright and slightly different in colour, and it was not unusual to think it was something else other than red oxide. Bayldon also added that since there was no desire on his part to negotiate with the Sheikh over that trivial matter, he preferred to please the Sheikh by accepting to have a separate agreement as he requested.6 On 13 April 1937, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr agreed with commander Bayldon that the latter would pay two Rupees against every British ton exported, and that Bayldon would have exclusive right to import or export the shining iron oxide that might be discovered on the islands of Abu Musa and Sair bu Nu’air which are territories of the Sheikh of Sharjah.7 3 Ibid., L.P.&S/12/3843, P.Z.2836/1935, L.P.&S/12/3798, P.Z.5091/1935, P.Z.2225/1935. 4 Ibid., L.P.&S/12/3798,P.Z.448/1935. 5 Ibid., L.P.&S/12/3843, P.Z.2550/1937. 6 Ibid., L.P.&S/12/3798, P.Z.2469/1937. 7 Ibid. MINERALS AND OIL IN SHARJAH
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