The gradual withdrawal of British authority had attracted little attention or criticism. But when the terms of the new Agreement and its implications became public knowledge there was an immediate and widespread outcry. Massive demonstrations occurred throughout the Protectorate to express the deep sense of Somali outrage, and hastily organized protest delegations were dispatched to London and New York, where they were received with gratifying publicity and sympathy, but achieved little satisfaction. With the support of other prominent national leaders (notably Mr Adan Ahmad), Michael Mariano, who had earlier played an important rôle in the hearings before the Four-Power Commission in Somalia, succeeded in forming a national convention called the National United Front. This body which drew support from all sections of organized public opinion, including initially the S.Y.L. and S.N.L., launched a vigorous campaign with the twin objectives of recovering the Haud and obtaining independence for the Protectorate within the British Commonwealth.

I.M. Lewis, I. M. Lewis, A Modern History of the Som…, loc. 398