Page 237 - Records of Bahrain (7) (i)_Neat

Disturbances and strikes, 1956 223

SECRET

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Office of the Senior Naval Officer,
Poraian Gulf,
Bahrain.

6th March, 1956.

No. XFG.002D/5.
THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
EAST INDIES STATION!
DISTURBANCE IN BAHHAIN

Roferenoe:- The Residency Bahrain's telegram No. 166 of 3rd March, 1956.
The following report of the recent diuturbance in Bahrain ia
forwarded.

2. Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affaira, Rt. Hon.
Selwyn Lloyd, C.B.E., M.P., arrived by air at the R.A.F./B,0.A.C, airfield,
Muharraq, on the Island of Bahrain, at 1900 on the 2nd March, according to
programme.
3. It was known that the High Executive Committee (representing the
"democratic" movement in the Island) intended to present some form of
petition on hia arrival. The Residency view waa that this was undesirable,
and that the Committee's opinion should be expressed at a Press Conference
in the Residency on the arrival there of the Secretary of State. It ia
understood that the Bahrain Government agreed with this. The Services (R.N. ,
Army, R.A.F.) were informed that a demonstration of some sort was expected,
but that it would be orderly, and that arrangements were to bo left to the
Bahrain Police.
4. The Royal Navy, at this time, was represented by the Naval Bpso
Jufair, which includes the Senior Naval Officer's Staff, naval Communication
and Supply ratings, some civilian employees, mostly Asiatic, and H.M.S. LOCH
FADA which was at Sitra, waiting to sail, shox'tly after midnight on a cruise
in the Trucial Coast area.
5. Tho Ministor waa met at the Airport by the Ruler, the Political
Resident, the Political Agent,' the three aonior Service officers, and
subordinate members of the Residency and Agency.
6. Tho Minister's party of 28 persons, including 13 lady personal
assistants and secretaries, then left for the Residency in a string of cars.
A member of tho Residency or Agency went in each car. The ladies went in taxis,
each accompanied by a lady from the Residency, Tho Sonior Naval Officer waa
not consulted about these arrangements. The Service officers wore told to
make their own way from the Air-Port, and attend at the New Palace (Manama)
at 2015 for dinner.
7. The Senior Naval Officer's Humber, with a Service (Bahraini) driver
took its place towards the tail of the long procession and followed it towards
the Causeway leading from Muharraq- Island to Manama. As the Political
Residents oar, with the Minister, approached the Causeway (which is a single
troffio line) tho press of the crowds lining the route brought it, and all
oars following astern to a standstill. Police were lining the streets at
intervals of perhaps twenty five yards but were powerless to oontrol the crowds.

SECRET /Anti-British !

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