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Residency officers and First Secretaries (Lucas and FB Richards) who both

exclaimed ‘Very interesting indeed’. Details of the first letter from the HEC dated 10

September to the Ruler, from the copies provided by Al-Bakir, criticised the Sheikh

for not heeding to the Party’s demands and urged the establishment of a Legislative

Council. Moreover, the pro forma voiced its concern about the work of the

Commission of Enquiry, the Penal Code, and offered general criticisms of various

government departments. The second letter dated on 24 September alluded to a

discussion that took place between the HEC and the Ruler. This centered on the

Ruler’s approval of holding elections for the committees/councils of health,

education, and municipal affairs. The letter further urged for reform in the public

security and judicial sector. Most importantly the pro forma declared its agreement

with the Ruler to postpone any further talks regarding the establishment of a

Legislative Council. 393

Britain continued with its intention to expand the Baghdad Pact and it was

announced that Pakistan intended to join the alliance. Since Pakistan was also a

member of SEATO, the Baghdad Pact would successfully link NATO with Turkey

being a member to SEATO through Iraq. 394 Pakistan’s official adherence to the Pact

was followed by Iran’s ascension to the alliance. An Iraqi diplomat, Awni Khalidy,

was chosen as the General Secretary of the Pact. 395

393 TNA, FO 1016/387, Enclosing two letters (English and Arabic) from the Committee to the Ruler of
Bahrain, 10 and 24 September 1955.
394 ‘Pakistan to Join Pact’, New York Times, 1 July 1955, 3; and Devereux, Formulation of British
Defence Policy, 169.
395 ‘Iran will adhere to Mid-East Pact: To Join Turkey, Iraq, Britain and Pakistan in Defense Accord
Soviet Opposes’, New York Times, 12 October 1955, 1; and ‘Iraqi is made Secretary of Baghdad Pact
Group’, New York Times, 15 December 1955, 5.

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