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policy towards the Movement is revealed. Nasser’s unexpected stop off in Bahrain

when returning from the Bandung Conference in March 1955 signalled the

commencement of an era highlighted by the Soviet penetration into the region as

the chapter highlights. The alignment of the Bahraini nationalists with Nasser’s

ideals and turn to the East was characterised by their call to raise funds in support

of Egypt’s purchase of arms from the Soviets, as Chapter Five presents.

Chapter Six of Part Three of this thesis explores the nationalist movement’s

peak as it decisively won the Education Council’s elections. The chapter also reflects

on the dismissal of Sir John Bagot Glubb Pasha as Head of the Arab Legion in Jordan

and the ramifications this had for Bahrain, including the stoning of Lloyd’s car

convoy which followed. Moreover, demands were made calling for Belgrave’s

dismissal. Chapter Seven investigates how a trivial dispute in Manama’s vegetable

market turned into a major riot, an indication of the level of tension in the country.

The incident was followed by a strike and official recognition of the political party

by the Government of Bahrain. This time period, featured in Part Three, offers a

unique look at how the British Cabinet dealt with the nationalists and how they

approached the Belgrave question.

Chapter Eight of Part Four explores how British policy makers pressed

Bahrain towards creating a dignified exit for the Adviser. This incident was

followed by Nasser’s nationalisation of the Suez Canal Company. Al-Bakir’s absence

from Bahrain and comments to the press was closely monitored as the chapter

assesses. Furthermore, the Party’s decision to form a paramilitary organisation in

the form of a Scouts movement is examined as it alarmed British officials in Bahrain.

© Hamad E. Abdulla 20