ISBN:
(13) 978-1-84097-170-5
Extent:
6 volumes, 4,876 pages
Editor: A. Burdett Published: 2006 Paper: Printed on acid free paper Binding: Library bindings with gilt finish |
RESUMÉ
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
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
Volume 4 : 1969