British withdrawal and position of treaties

This file contains correspondence and memoranda relating to a review of the formal position regarding HMG's military and diplomatic protection obligations, and the implications for HMG's treaties and agreements with Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the Trucial States following the announcement of HMG's intention to withdraw British forces from the Gulf by December 1971. It includes:

• Examination of the wording of previous treaties and agreements dating back to 1820, including a copy of the 'Exchange of Notes' regarding relations between the UK and Kuwait, dated 19 June 1961
• Interest of the US State Department and HMG's concern that Eugene Rostow's public idea of a defence pact embracing Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia might appear to be a Western initiative to impose a regional security arrangement
• Idea of establishing a non-aggression pact, and concern about Iran's territorial claims to Bahrain and Abu Musa and the Tunb Islands
• Reginald Maudling MP's attempts to get in touch with former legal advisor to the Commonwealth Office Sir Ralph Hone on the basis that he might be useful in advising the Gulf Rulers on constitutional advance; and concern that his association with constitution building in South Arabia would be an objection to his nomination
• Consideration of when and how to tell the Rulers that HMG's military protection will lapse, for fear of administering a shock
• Support of Minister of State Goronwy Roberts for the objective of independent mini-statehood for Bahrain, including UN membership, and the principle of unifying the Trucial States; and consideration of the implications of this
• HMG's reluctance to be committed to a precise timetable for withdrawal
• Rulers' eagerness for more information and details in writing
• Paper circulated to the Defence and Overseas Policy Committee by the Foreign Secretary; and a brief for the Foreign Secretary's use when meeting the committee
• Memorandum examining the law and practice upon the territorial application of treaties, as at February 1967
• Replies from the Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Ruler of Ajman Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi acknowledging HMG's decision to withdraw