MIDDLE EAST. Future of bases in Mediterranean and Middle East following defence expenditure review: forces and facilities in Persian Gulf

This file concerns Britain’s intention to withdraw from the Gulf in 1971. It contains records of meetings and correspondence concerning:

• Britain’s decision to withdraw from Aden after South Arabia gains its independence in 1968; Britain’s decision to announce its withdrawal from Aden in the Defence White Paper due to be published on 23 February 1966
• The question of whether British military presence is required in the Gulf in order to ensure the supply of oil
• The question of whether the US and UK should concern themselves with the instability in Africa and the Middle East
• Negotiations for additional facilities that HMG will require in the Gulf
• Prime Minister Harold Wilson’s suggestion that the Overseas Development Division should be moved from Beirut to the Gulf
• The delay in the circulation of Sir Stewart Crawford’s despatch, giving his first impressions of the Gulf
• The Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s reaction towards Britain’s decision to withdraw; the Shah’s intention to propose economic, naval and air cooperation in the Gulf with the Saudi and Kuwaiti Governments
• Anglo-Iranian economic relations
• Iran and Sharjah’s dispute over Abu Musa
• The Rulers of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s reactions to Britain’s decision to withdraw; the Rulers' concerns over the stability of the Lower Gulf, and the prospect of Iranian domination; Kuwait’s concern that Britain’s withdrawal will make way for Soviet influence; the Rulers' willingness to contribute to HMG’s military expenditure, due to their understanding that Britain’s decision to withdraw is financial; Britain’s assurance that it will keep its military presence in the Gulf for as long as possible, to maintain peace and stability
• King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia’s assurance that his country will not swallow up the Gulf after Britain’s withdrawal; the possibility of Saudi Arabia entering into a protection arrangement with Bahrain; the possibility of Britain giving Bahrain financial aid
• Anglo-US relations
• Britain’s non-military means of influence in the Gulf, South East Asia and Australasia
• The President of Pakistan Ayub Khan’s views on the future of the Indian Ocean area.

This file also includes minutes of a conversation between the Prime Minister and King Hussein Bin Talal of Jordan, 27 September 1968, including reference to: arms supplies, King Hussein’s impressions of the new Iraqi Government, and problems in Bahrain.