The Emirate of Cyrenaica came into existence when Sayyid Idris unilaterally proclaimed Cyrenaica an independent Senussi emirate on 1 March 1949, backed by the United Kingdom. Sayyid Idris proclaimed himself Emir of Cyrenaica at a 'national conference' in Benghazi. It effectively succeeded the pre-Second World War Italian Cyrenaica. The recognition by the British failed to influence the attitude of the United Nations, and in a resolution passed on 21 November 1949 Britain and France were directed to prepare Libya's independence. The independence of the Kingdom of Libya was declared on 24 December 1951, and on 27 December, Emir Idris was enthroned as King Idris I.