Political Agents Conference

This file concerns the annual Political Agents’ Conference in Bahrain in the years 1968 and 1969 (chaired by the Political Agent in the Persian Gulf and attended by the Political Agents in the Gulf States, as well as representatives from the Arabian Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; HM Embassies in Kuwait, Tehran and Jedda [Jeddah]; the Commanders of Land, Naval and Air Forces Gulf; a representative of the British Council, and other officials). It contains correspondence relating to arrangements for the conferences and a summary of discussions. Issues covered include the approaching British withdrawal from the region and the prospects of the nine-state Union of Arab Emirates; political issues including Buraimi and the rebellion in Dhofar; the threat of subversion; defence and arms sales; oil; economic matters; visits; development; immigration; relations with the US and regional powers; aviation; evacuation plans for British nationals; the regional media and the activities of the British Council.

This file also covers:

• Arrangements for tours of the region by British officials
• Pocedures for representatives of HMG travelling overseas