ABSTRACT
In March 1970, at the request of the Shah, the Secretary General of the United Nations sent a mission of inquiry to Bahrain. The mission was required to ascertain if the inhabitants of the shaikhdom wanted independence or preferred Iranian rule. The vast majority of Bahrainis declared their desire for a completely independent sovereign state. 1 At the same time, Sharjah and Iran reached an understanding on the disputed island of Abu Musa. Both countries agreed that if oil was discovered on the island they would share the revenue. In addition, the Shah promised to provide financial assistance to Sharjah. 2
