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The extraordinary expansion in Kuwait's oil revenues in the 1950s presented Britain with a formidable challenge. Britain's relative indifference to Kuwait before 1939 had allowed the Shaikhdom to develop a strong sense of independence, especially in the conduct of internal affairs. Local autonomy, however, conflicted with Britain's determination to manage the economy of Kuwait in a manner which would bring maximum benefit to the sterling area, while minimising the potential damage which Kuwait's sudden acquisition of oil wealth could inflict on sterling. Britain's support for Kuwaiti independence from the late 1950s did not signify a decline in the value which Britain placed on the sterling area in general, or on Kuwait in particular. Instead, it reflected a belief that an independent Kuwait represented the best means of preserving British economic interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the theory of neocolonialism in the relationship between Kuwait and Great Britain after Kuwait's decolonization. Kuwait's reliance on British military assistance in 1961; Terms and scale of oil exports to Britain; Domination of five British firms; Anti-British feeling in Kuwait; Decline of British exports; Kuwait's repositioning within the Arab world.

Looks at the relationship between Britain and Kuwait. Background information on British protection of Kuwait; Problems Britain encountered in Kuwait; Description of relationship between two countries.