Bahrain's problems with Iran

This file relates to the dispute between Bahrain and Iran in the period of May to June 1969, discussed between HM Embassies in Tehran and Kuwait, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf, various Political Agencies in the Gulf and the UK’s Mission to the UN. It contains correspondence concerning:

• Discussions on the Bahrainis’ draft terms of reference and procedure for the approach to the UN Secretary General U Thant over the dispute. It includes, the Iranian comments on this; the Bahraini insistence on particular wording which gives no concessions for a plebiscite; and the exchange of draft texts between HMG and Iran, with the provision that the wording should be agreed with Bahrain
• US request for briefing of their officials about the dispute
• Indication from the US Ambassador to Iran that the Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi may have softened his stance on a package deal involving the Gulf islands, including the Tunbs, and a plebiscite
• HMG’s desire not to have a repeat of the failed UN mission to Aden
• Meeting of the Foreign Secretary Michael Stewart with the Shah and other Iranian officials in Tehran
• Possibility of leaks about the Bahrain-Iran talks, with an article in The Times on the possible UN investigation
• Practicalities of what the UN representative will be provided with in Bahrain
• Editorial in the Tehran press, indicating the restoration of relations between Iran and the United Arab Republic