6.1 Alarm

Let me start this chapter by reminding readers that in IPC language the word ‘Groups’ refers to the major oil companies who are the IPC, and therefore also PD(TC), shareholders and owners. How often did one hear the word ‘Groups’ repeated in the corridors of the offices of IPC? The word was expressed with such varying sentiments. Respect, apprehension, frustration, bemused tolerance and plain incredulity! All too often there were some Group representatives who had received little exposure to the Arab countries and were ignorant of the customs, the culture and the way life in these lands. Among such people there were those who were keen to learn and there were those who would never learn.

So now we go back to the story.

The IPC were sitting tight within their Red Line stretched to the limit of their abilities and resources. They held rights over large areas which were to a great extent unexplored. Now there were other companies who were casting their eyes in the direction of the Gulf, encouraged by the still modest successes, and yet quite unaware of the enormous reserves of oil and gas that were waiting to be discovered by the drill.

Lermitte raised the alarm when he reported that Weightman, now retired from the diplomatic service, accompanied by Wood of Superior Oil had on 10 March 1949 arrived in Abu Dhabi. They had come hoping to negotiate with Sheikh Shakhbut for an oil concession in the Abu Dhabi waters, in spite of their being requested not to do so by the Political Agent.

Weightman and Wood arrived in an amphibious aircraft which landed on the water at Khor Baghal, between Abu Dhabi and Sadiyat islands. During the course of the day Weightman took Sheikh Shakhbut for a short flight over the islands. The aircraft departed the next day only to return with a supply of fresh water and to cause a sensation by landing on the open sea in front of Abu Dhabi island. A few days later Lermitte wrote to Skliros that the negotiator (Weightman) had offered Sheikh Shakhbut one lac of rupees, but the Ruler had said that he would prefer to deal with PD(TC). See Chapter 4.16.

We can see from the above message that Sheikh Shakhbut was still favourably disposed towards PD(TC), but much can happen in a very short time!