Abstract
After the comparative tranquillity of 1960, the Middle East returned to a more familiar pattern of turbulence in 1961. The year was marked by two particularly significant crises, occasioned by the declaration of Kuwait’s independence from Britain in June, and the break-up of the United Arab Republic of Egypt and Syria in late September. In view of all that has been said about the importance of Kuwait for British interests in the region it is not surprising that it was the Kuwaiti crisis which loomed largest in British policy during 1961. Here it was to be Britain that played the leading role of the Western powers, and the US that stayed on the sidelines, offering in the main logistical and diplomatic support.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Notes
Trevelyan-FO, D. 11.26pm, 26/6/61, ibid. In his memoirs Trevelyan details the evidence gathered by the embassy about Qassem’s intentions. However, much of it appears to have been no more than circumstantial. (Trevelyan, H., The Middle East in Revolution, London, 1970, pp. 187–9.)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 1996 Nigel John Ashton
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Ashton, N.J. (1996). Postscript: The Kuwaiti Crisis and the Break-up of the United Arab Republic. In: Eisenhower, Macmillan and the Problem of Nasser. Studies in Military and Strategic History. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230378971_15
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230378971_15
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-39571-2
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-37897-1
eBook Packages: Palgrave History CollectionHistory (R0)