Records of Bahrain 1966–1971 - Cambridge Archive Editions

Near & Middle East Titles:
Records of Bahrain 1966–1971

ISBN: (13) 978-1-84097-170-5
Extent: 6 volumes, 4,876 pages

Editor: A. Burdett
Author:N/A
ISBN: (10) 1-85207-170-3
Published: 2006
Paper: Printed on acid free paper
Binding: Library binding with gilt finish
See sample pages: not available

Resumé

In these 5000 pages Archive Editions presents a comprehensive collection of original British government documents detailing the history of Bahrain between 1966 and 1971. Also published are two collections running from 1820 up to 1960 and 1961 to 1965.

The years 1966-71 are of particular interest to researchers because of the intense political and diplomatic activity engendered by the announcement of the British, in 1968, of their intention to withdraw from the Gulf States by 1971. The British records are of particular interest too because the British were in the unique position of being at the heart of government in the Gulf states. They administered Bahrain’s foreign and defence affairs through treaty relations from as early as 1820 and despite a convention acknowledging the independence of Bahrain agreed in 1913, right up to the British withdrawal in 1971.

Historical Overview

From the Introduction by A. Burdett

“The period under review, 1966-71, reflects the end of an era in Bahrain’s historic relationship with Great Britain and the emergence of an independent, sovereign state. Important themes are the re-organisation of internal government, the resolution of the Iranian claim to Bahrain, involvement in Gulf unity plans and the decision to withdraw from the proposed union, paving the way for independence in 1971.

Bahrain participated initially in unity talks with other Gulf States, encouraged by the British, to formulate a working confederation. A major obstacle to Bahraini membership and independence (whether legitimate or not) was the on-going Iranian claim that Bahrain was part of Iranian territory. However, following a modification in the Iranian position, an “Ascertainment Exercise” was painstakingly negotiated between the two countries and undertaken in 1970 by Signor Winspeare Guiccaiardi, under United Nations aegis, to determine if any legitimate support for Bahrain’s connection to Iran was evident. Concluding that there was no local support for this, the Iranian claim was formally dropped. Bahrain then decided it did not require the security of membership of any Gulf Union, and opted for complete independence on 15 August 1971, thereby ending 150 years of special treaty relations with Great Britain, during which period Britain had been responsible for Bahrain’s foreign relations and defence, as well as placing its relations with other Gulf States on a different footing.

Concomitant with the planned British withdrawal from Aden, first announced in 1966, were plans for improved local defence, major physical and administrative alterations to the airport, new membership of international organisations, and renewed attempts to resolve regional boundary disputes.”

Documentary Importance

Understanding the Series

The three sections of the Records of Bahrain Series combine to create a large collection which offers historical evidence for the political, economic and social evolution of Bahrain. Such evidence improves our understanding of the modern political position of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. This large body of documents includes, for example, examination of frontier negotiations and questions of sovereignty, particularly the claim to Bahrain by Iran and the long-running dispute with Qatar; it also provides details of constitutional, military and defence developments.

Contents Outline

Material has been arranged within each volume according to broad subjects including internal political affairs, social and economic development, regional and international relations. Within these general divisions documents are presented chronologically. Some highlights from the volumes include:

Volume 1 : 1966

Appointment of Shaikh Mohammed as Head of Police and Public Security and Judge at the High Court of Appeal
Dissident activities present a growing threat to the régime
British urge internal administrative reforms to allay vigorous criticisms of the Bahrain government, particularly from the UAR
Efforts to solve the longstanding territorial sea-bed dispute with Qatar, over which a series of bilateral meetings was held
A review of the Iranian claim to Bahrain was prepared
Bahrain Petroleum Company agrees the principle of Royalty Expensing

Volume 2 : 1967–1968

Sudden withdrawal of Britain from Aden in 1967 causes fears for the cessation of British aid for development projects
Continuing criticism mounted from various internal groups including the “National Front”
General review of the Ruling Family and an assessment of internal government reforms prepared by British officials
Effects of the Arab defeat in the Six-Day War result in demonstrations and internal unrest, in the form of protests directed against the (perceived) British policy
Continued Median Line dispute with Qatar, involving several meetings with Qatari representatives, and an assessment by the Admiralty Hydrographer as to its delineation
Iranian claim to Bahrain affects Bahrain’s applications to join bodies such as UNESCO and WHO

Volume 3 : 1968

The announcement on 4 January 1968 of the British military withdrawal from the Gulf, irrevocably alters the political and power relationships between Bahrain and the United Kingdom
Shaikh Isa makes a private visit to Britain for defence talks, and to discuss the means to proceed with Bahrain airport development
Shaikh Isa makes a visit to the USA in the search for alternative international partners
Internal government reforms preoccupy both the Bahrain government and British officials
Some violent demonstrations leads to plans for improved security, and the National Guard was launched
Meetings concerning the union dominate, and Bahrain agrees in principle regarding its formation
Territorial disputes continue, notably with Qatar over the Hawar Islands
The Iranians call for a plebiscite to determine the strength of the attachment of the Bahraini populace to Iran
A preliminary study for a Bahrain–Saudi Arabia Causeway project is made

Volume 4 : 1969

Shaikh Isa visits both the USA and the UK
Possibility of administrative reform
Reaction to the British withdrawal
Assessment of threats and disturbances to the régime; and the dilemma of any use of British troops for Bahrain defence
Regarding the Iranian claim secret talks are held between Bahraini and Iranian delegations firstly in Geneva, then in Montreux, and the idea of involving the UN emerges
Protection of Bahrain airport from subversives, training and equipping of defence forces, and their command by Shaikh Hamad
Development of civil aviation and the airport

Volume 5 : 1970

Effect of Bahrain opting out of the unification plans, particularly relations with Dubai
Agreement to a procedure for solving the Iran–Bahrain issue through the UN: Bahrain proceeds as a sovereign state
Relations with Iran immediately improve and impact on issues such as the Median Line dispute with Iran
Britain continues to oversee development projects

Volume 6 : 1971

Cancellation of the special treaty relations with Britain, and announcement of Independence, made on 15 August 1971
Planning and preparation for this transition
Some unrest and dissident activity, with Sunni–Shiah issues emerging
Bahrain’s withdrawal from Union plans affects relations with Saudi Arabia (King Feisal is very pro-Union)
Relations with Iran improve
New oil concessions are arranged, but unresolved boundary disputes continue to be a factor, especially in offshore agreements