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SETTLEMENT OF BAHRAIN-IRAN DISPUTE 321 I

followed were appropriate and fully sufficient to ascertain the wishes of the
people of Bahrain on the question at issue. i
I believe that the total number of persons whose views were presented to
me either collectively or by individuals was itself adequate.
The larger organisations afforded a comprehensive cross-section of !
Bahraini society. The information they supplied was effectively
supplemented by the representatives of smaller organisations whose
interests were sectoral and limited.
Outside visits and interviews with individuals provided me with both a
check and random sample of opinion valuable in verifying my conclusions.
Although all had ample time and opportunity to come to see me, I also
accepted written communications from those unable to meet me.
Ready and free access was assured at all times. All consultations took
place in private and in confidence. To the best of my knowledge no one was
intimidated or prevented from commmunicating with my mission. There
were no disturbances and no demonstrations. The inquiry was conducted
throughout in a peaceful and orderly manner.
My consultations have convinced me that the overwhelming majority of
the people of Bahrain wish to gain recognition of their identity in a fully
independent and sovereign State free to decide for itself its relations with
other States”.1
Moreover, it is significant that in his findings, Mr. Winspeare
stated that i
‘‘the Bahrainis I met were virtually unanimous in wanting a fully :
independent and sovereign state” and that the ”great majority added that ;
this should be an Arab state".
This statement is consistent with Mr. Winspeare’s remarks in the
early part of his report that ‘‘the majority of Bahrainis are of Arab I
stock” and that “many descendants of non Arab transients
(Iranians, Indians, Pakistanis, Africans and others) who chose to i
settle [Bahrain] have been assimilated ”2
The above findings and conclusions provide a clear and an
unequivocal affirmation of the Arab character of the Bahrain
Islands. i
The Report Before the Security Council
At the request of the Secretary-General, the Security Council met
on 11 May 1970, to consider the report of Mr. Winspeare on the
question of Bahrain. The President of the Council, opened the :
meeting, stated that ‘‘the Council is meeting to-day at the request of :
the representatives of Iran and the United Kingdom to examine the :
question of Bahrain on the basis of the report of the Personal :
Representative of the Secretary-General.3Then the President asked *
1. Ibid. p. 13.
2. Ibid. p. 11 & pp. 6, 7. :
3. See U.N. Document, S/PV. 1536 (11 May 1970) pp. 7-10.
(This Verbatim Record of the 2536th Meeting of the Security Council contains
the speeches of representatives of the states which attended the said meeting).

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