Political situation in Bahrain

This file concerns political affairs in Bahrain, in particular internal security and the country’s first popular elections. It contains correspondence relating to:

• The return of Abdul Aziz Shemlan from exile in St Helena
• The reaction in Bahrain to the attempted coup in Sharjah which led to the death of Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi
• A strike by Gulf Aviation workers and hospital staff which led to widespread unrest in Bahrain in March 1972
• Coverage of Bahrain in the international media, including reports on Baghdad Radio claiming high death tolls during the disturbances
• Suspicions of Iraqi influence behind the unrest
• The deployment of the Bahrain Defence Force to quell the disturbances and HMG’s concerns about this force
• The activities of the Bahrain Special Branch under Ian Henderson and criticism of the force in some sections of the Bahraini press
• Assessments of internal security threats in Bahrain including assassinations, rifts within the Ruling Family, subversive groups including the National Liberation Front (NLF) and Popular Front for the Liberation of the Occupied Arabian Gulf (PFLOAG), a military coup or a popular uprising
• A First Impressions despatch by HM Ambassador to Bahrain R M Tesh covering the political, economic and security situation in the country
• A despatch from Tesh on the Eid al Fitr celebrations among the diplomatic community in Manama, which is printed by the FCO for its entertainment value
• Elections for the new Constituent Assembly with reports on candidates and their sectarian and political leanings and analysis of the results
• Movements towards constitutional development
• The celebrations to mark Bahrain’s second National Day.