38. Telegram From the Embassy in Bahrain to the Department of State1
719. Subject: Amir Wishes Closest US-Bahrain Relations. Ref: Manama 698.
1. Summary: Despite Middle East war Amir wishes U.S. and Bahrain to continue same close relations as in past. His comments suggest he is determined to reverse GOB departure notice to MIDEASTFOR at unspecified future time. End summary.
2. When Chargé called on Amir Nov 13, Shaikh Isa said he wanted, as before October War, closest relations with U.S. He said he was most unhappy about GOB canceling U.S. Navy stationing agreement and wished USG to know events at that time forced this action. He spoke somewhat scornfully of fears and excitement which gripped some of Ministers at meeting when decision was made. Prominent among his targets was FonMin Shaikh Muhammad.
3. Amir also expressed contempt for Iraqis whom he said threatened to bomb Bahrain International Airport if latter was used by those aiding Israel. Regarding brief street demonstration during war, he pointed out to Iraqi Ambassador that slogans marchers were using came from Iraq. Ambassador vehemently denied any bad intentions. Amir observed to Chargé that he did not care what others thought. He would say and do what he thought best for Bahrain’s interests.
4. In Amir’s mind GOB notice to Navy is by no means final. He indicated without elaboration that problem would be worked out and Navy could continue here as before. To try to draw him out more, Chargé said DOD-supported Bahrain school would almost surely have to close when Navy departed and some hard decisions on new arrangements would have to be made soon. Amir replied simply that school should be told to continue as it has been. Make no changes.
[Page 190]5. Amir’s comments and those of his brother PriMin Shaikh Khalifa (reftel) suggest they are determined to reverse GOB notice to Navy. They seem confident of being able to manage any internal opponents, including those who might gain seats in Bahrain’s first elected parliament in December, and seem to be waiting and hoping for helpful developments in Arab-Israeli crisis before showing their hand.
Summary: Chargé d’Affaires Stein met with Amir Isa ibn Salman al-Khalifa to discuss the recent cancellation of the U.S.-Bahrain agreement stationing the Middle East Force in Bahrain. The Amir indicated that the cancellation, made during the Arab-Israeli war in October, would be reversed.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 632, Country Files, Middle East, Trucial States. Secret. Repeated to Jidda, Kuwait City, London, Tehran, COMIDEASTFOR, the Secretary of Defense, and CINCUSNAVEUR. Telegram 698 from Manama, November 8, is in the National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Bahraini Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohmmad al-Khalifa notified the United States of the cancellation on October 20 as part of the Arab response to the U.S. resupply of Israel, asking for MIDEASTFOR’s departure within 1 year. (Telegram 671 from Manama, October 20; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])
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