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pointed out that Bahrain was the only Arabian Gulf sheikhdom where a form of

democracy existed explaining that it had established an electoral roll and elections

had taken place and to that the Foreign Secretary responded positively. 598

The Ruler also declared, on 20 March, the formation of an Administration

Council with Sheikh Abdulla bin Isa Al-Khalifa as President. The members were:

Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Sheikh Duaij bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Sheikh

Khalid bin Mohammed bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, GWR Smith, Ahmed Al-Umran, and

Salem Al-Arrayed. Yusuf Al-Shirawi was appointed Secretary. The Council, which

was to meet weekly with representatives from various government departments,

had a one-year term with the option of its reappointment and extension.

Administrative affairs were to be dealt by the Council through the Ruler or the

Adviser. Most importantly, the Council was ordered to open channels of

communication with the general public and to keep themselves up to date regarding

the state’s affairs. 599 The Government of Bahrain further announced the promotion

of Colonel Hamersley from Assistant Police Commandant to Police Commandant

(effective from 20 March), replacing Belgrave as the head of the police. Additionally

the Administration announced its need to recruit policemen to the force and

awarded Bahrainis priority in the selection process. 600

The Political Agent endeavoured to analyse the Bahraini Administration’s

structure and the reasons for the agitation towards the Adviser and his assessment

of Belgrave was that

598 HC Deb 19 March 1956, vol 550, cols 807-8.
599 TNA, FO 371/120545, Administrative Council Notice, 20 March 1956.
600 TNA, FO 371/120545, Translation: Government of Bahrain Announcement.

© Hamad E. Abdulla 193