HC Deb 27 November 1957 vol 578 cc115-6W
30. Mr. Benn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the proclamation by Persia of the administrative annexation of Bahrain.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The Iranian Government are understood to have been preparing for some time a Bill amending the administrative divisions of Iran. One of the divisions comprised the Ports and Islands of the Persian Gulf. This latter title has apparently been amended to include by name the islands of Bahrain.

This is the latest of a succession of attempts over the last one hundred and fifty years to pursue the Iranian claim to Bahrain, a claim which in Her Majesty's Government's view is unfounded. The Iranian Government have been so informed on numerous occasions and can be in no doubt of Her Majesty's Government's views in this matter.

Her Majesty's Government will continue to fulfil their obligation to safeguard the independence of Bahrain, and the Ruler of Bahrain has received an assurance to this effect.