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Abstract

This article aims at examining the methodology used by the author in compiling his book on "The Islands of Tunb and Abu T\1usa", published by CNMES/SOAS, University of London in
1995. While discussing the methodology of research into the subject, the author introduces a number of newly discovered official documents from British, Iranian and Arab sources strengthening his argument on Iran's rightful ownership of these islands. He reveals for the first time crucial evidence and information on the details of Anglo-Iranian negotiations of 1970- 71 which resulted in the British decision of returning these islands to Iran in November 1971, a day before leaving the region and official1y ending the age - old Pax - Britannica, and two days before the United Arab Emirates came into existance. Having interviewed a number of Iranian and British governn1ent officials directly involved in the said negotiations, the author sheds new lights on the method of British acknowledgement of Iranian rightful sovereignty over the two Tunbs and Abu Musa islands
and on the fact that a number of Arab governments, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras alkhaimah, were closely involved in the process of Anglo-Iranian negotiations and the
return of the three islands to iran