DOCUMENTARY. The build-up of British forces in the Gulf States.

The commander of a British platoon in Bahrain, Lt. Pattinson, explaining the reasons for Britain's presence to a group of new arrivals (13). Titles. A military band marching past an oil pipeline and into the compound of the First Battalion - the King's Own Royal Border Regiment. Commentary explains how Britain is regrouping in Bahrain following the defeat in Aden (55). Scenes at a port; in a market. Titles (80). Lt. Pattinson explains to the new arrivals that British troops are in Bahrain at the invitation of the ruler. Sheikh Isa (103). The Sheikh emerges from a car and is greeted by a number of officials (128). British troops training in the desert (180). Sir William Luce explains why he called for the British presence in the area - the need to fill a power vacuum and to ensure stability in the face of territorial claims by Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq (232). An R.A.F. Shackleton taxiing at the base at Sharjah. Arab workers helping to build a runway extension (267). Major David Goddard describes Britain's role in the area as one of ensuring stability (292). Air- craft in flight. Aerial shot of R.A.F. Hunter jet fighters at the base. Commentary explains how the British military build-up provides Cairo Radio with a propaganda weapon. Ships in a harbour. Aerial shot of causeway linking Al- Muharraq with Al-Manamah on Bahrain (340). The editor of an Arab newspaper, Mahmoud Muhdi?, states that the British presence is unwelcome (355). Commentary states that the oil industry is the main reason for the Western military presence: a jeep racing across the desert; aerial shots of an oil refinery. Commentary asks why Britain should have to bear the cost of policing the Gulf States for the West (420). Luce explains that historically, Britain is the only acceptable power in the area (442). Sheikh Zaid, ruler of Abu Dhabi, and his entourage, inspect oil installations (506). A British officer, speaking in Arabic, presides over a march-past of Zaid's own troops. Commentary explains how British personnel are hired to train Abu Dhabi's army (547). Luce states that he would not wish to see British troops involved in internal security - unless the local army could not cope (568). Harbour scenes (587). Trucial Oman Scouts playing bagpipes (600) and on manoeuvres in the desert. Commentary describes their role of internal peacekeeping (705). The British Political Agent in Bahrain, Tony Parsons, describes the unifying effect on Arab opinion of the recent war with Israel, and how local demonstrations were anti-Israeli rather than anti-British (730). Scenes in a market place in Bahrain. Commentary states that simple Arabs look up to Britain, whereas many educated Bahrainis regard Britain as a supporter of reaction (762). The Arab Head of Medical Services in Bahrain, Dr. Ali Fakru?, describes the problems of unemployment in the area (780). Arab sheiks with falcons, sheiks being served with drinks. Commentary states that the days of British presence are numbered (844). Luce agrees that Britain's role will be a short-term one (866). Dr. Fakru? believes Britain should leave behind a viable situation such as federation (879). Mahmoud Muhdi? opines that Britain fails to understand Arab nationalist aspirations, as in Aden (937). Luce hopes that Saudi Arabia will emerge as a stabilizing force in the area (953). Muhdi? hopes that Britain will not repeat her mistakes in Aden (962). David Goddard states that Britain appreciates that Bahrain is not a colony (972). Credits (1001 ft).