Page 226 - Records of Bahrain (7) (i)_Neat
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212 Records of Bahrain
SECRET
Bahrain telegram No. 172 to Foreign Offlco
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7« I also said to Belgrave that one of the immediate
lessons of yesterday's events was the necessity of strengthening
the polioo force, My military adviser was proparing
I proposals,for a new establishment of British officers to
whom it would probably be neocssary to offer higher pay.
As regards the men, I advocated continuation of recruiting
. : in Bahrain (which i3 taking plaoe, though very slowly) and
suggested that perhaps the question of Iraqi recruits might
bo settled by compromise by which, say 30 of them might bo
brought in as "specialists" to serve as non-commissioned
officers and instructors to provide the backbone of a
striking force.
! 8, I also urged that the Bahrain Government.should announce
on the radio this evening that an enquiry into the origins
of the demonstration was to be held immediately. It is not
very, likely that any firm conclusion would bo reached, but
it is important that an opportunity should be given for
those wishing to testify.
9, I should be glad of your urgent instructions with regard
to the possibility of the use of British forces to maintain
order in the event of the arrest of members of the Committee
by the Government. I shall also be glad to know urgently
whether you agree to my putting to the Ruler a proposal on
the lines of paragraph 6 above, It might need considerable
pressure to induce him to adopt this course.
Foreign Office pleuse pass Immediate to New Delhi and
POMEF as my telegrams Nos. 7 and 14.
[Copy sent to Telegraph Sootion, C.R.O., for repetition
to New Delhi (for Secretary of State).]
(Repeated to POMEF.]
ADVANCE COPIESi
Private Secretary
Sir I. Kirkpatriok
Mr, Shuokburgh
Head of Eastern Department
Resident Clerk.
TO