Arabia--Buraimi Oasis dispute--

Estimate

7,000 - 10,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Arbitration concerning Buraimi and the common frontier between Abu Dhabi and Sa'udi Arabia. Memorial submitted by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. [London: H.M.S.O., 1955], first edition, 2 volumes bound in one, folio (330 x 197mm.), frontispiece map of Arabia, pocket at end containing 10 numbered maps, most folding, and a 'Gazetteer of Place Names', original brown half morocco gilt

Kelly, Dr J.B. The Buraimi Oasis Dispute. London: Royal Institute of International Affairs, [1956], first separate edition, 8vo (247 x 160mm.), signed by the author, original printed wrappers

Provenance

The first work: Foreign & Commonwealth Office Library, neat round ink stamp to title, maps and gazetteer, shelf marks to spine, withdrawal stamp on preliminary blank

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

rare. This dispute concerned the ownership of a group of villages (known collectively as the Buraimi oasis) situated in the south-eastern corner of Arabia, on the frontier of the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman and the Trucial Shaikhdom of Abu Dhabi. In September 1952 Turki bin Abdulla bin Utaishan took over the village of Hamasa with 40 armed Saudi Wahhabis after an overland drive from Al-Hasa, thus violating Abu Dhabi territory. He claimed the Buraimi Oasis for Saudi Arabia, and the 'Buraimi Dispute' made global headlines. A joint expedition of Trucial Oman Scouts from Abu Dhabi and the Sultan's forces from Sohar began to advance on Buraimi but the Saudis withdrew due to international pressure to avert a war, after being blockaded for several months. As a result of British arbitration a Saudi police post was permitted to be established in the Oasis in 1954, much to the disappointment of the local inhabitants. In 1955 arbitration broke down. Britain changed its position and encouraged the forces of Abu Dhabi and Oman to expel the Saudi police, which was effected without major incident. In 1972, after the establishment of the new State of the United Arab Emirates, the international border was delineated through the Buraimi Oasis, separating Al Ain (UAE) from Buraimi (Oman). In October 2006 Al Buraimi was created, the newest governorate of Oman, which was split from the Ad Dhahirah region.