Page 265 - Begrave Thesis_Neat

the same responsibilities. The Agent also advised the Ruler to issue a clear public

statement vis-à-vis Belgrave’s retirement to avoid any possible disturbances based

on any misunderstandings of the matter. On the issue of British troops stationed in

Bahrain in case of major disturbances the Agent reported that ‘The Ruler

commented that it was no more his wish than ours that British troops should be

used and I think he sees objection to do so as clearly as we do’. 761

The Ruler called once again on Gault on 7 August to inform him that he was

willing to make a public announcement on Belgrave’s retirement but without any

commitment as to the timing. 762 The Adviser then officially resigned from his post

on 13 August. The written announcement was made by Belgrave himself, saying

that ‘The Ruler has very reluctantly accepted’ his request to resign. The Adviser

further proclaimed that he would complete a gradual hand-over of his duties by the

early part of 1957. 763

Fears about Bahraini public’s reaction to the news of Belgrave’s long-awaited

retirement were unfounded as Bahrainis had been completely engaged by the news

of the Suez Canal Company’s nationalisation which overshadowed everything

else. 764 Riches of the FO’s Eastern Department viewed Belgrave’s retirement to be

‘somewhat disappointing’ since the Administration would be retaining the Adviser’s

services until early 1957. Nonetheless, Riches believed that the announcement had

now committed the Government to let him go and within a specific time period. 765

761 TNA, FO 371/120549, Gault to FO, 5 August 1956.
762 TNA, FO 371/120549, Burrows to FO, 7 August 1956.
763 TNA, FO 371/120549, Office Order: Belgrave’s Resignation, 13 August 1956.
764 TNA, FO 371/120549, Gault to Burrows, 31 August 1956.
765 TNA, FO 371/120549, D.M.H. Riches’ Confidential on Bahrain, 13 August 1956.

© Hamad E. Abdulla 244