Kuwait gained independence in 1962, though Iraq initially refused to recognise the country claiming it as part of Iraq, later backing down following a show of force by Britain and the Arab League in support of Kuwait.[6][7][8] A treaty of friendship was signed in 1963 by which Iraq recognised the 1932 border.[4] Despite this, over the ensuing decade Iraq often raised the issue of sea access and the traditional claim to Kuwait, most notably in 1973 with the 1973 Samita border skirmish.