Abu Dhabi Defence Force Air Wing

The file relates to the negotiations for the purchase of aircraft for the Abu Dhabi Defence Force (ADDF) Air Wing. It contains correspondence concerning:

• Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's wish to expedite the establishment of the ADDF Air Wing, and HMG's wish to influence his aircraft purchases
• Recommendation of the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf R S Crawford that Hawker Siddeley Aviation Limited should not talk to General John Willoughby before negotiating with the ADDF
• Proposed arms deals, including aircraft, between France and Sheikh Zayed; possible interest from Pakistan and Italy; and HMG's consequent wish to expedite negotiations with British firms
• Presentation to Sheikh Zayed by representatives of Hawker Siddeley; a quotation, dated 9 January 1969, for the supply of the Hawker Hunter aircraft to Abu Dhabi; the Ruler's decision to purchase Hunter aircraft; his concern at the distant delivery date; and his dispute with Hawker and HMG after discovering he is seemingly paying more than Jordan
• Sale of US helicopters to the ADDF by Bell Aircraft Corporation; and HMG's request that Bell delay its negotiations while General Willoughby's report is being considered
• Consideration of the aircraft requirements for the proposed defence force of the Union of Arab Emirates
• Military Coordination Committee's consideration of a request from the ADDF to be allowed to purchase the Hunter spares and ground equipment
• Message from Sheikh Zayed to the Rulers of the other Trucial States requesting permission to use their air space
• Sheikh Zayed's interest in more sophisticated guided weapons, radar and aircraft
• Request from the ADDF to purchase demolition equipment from the Ministry of Defence

This file also contains correspondence relating to Kuwait's cancellation of its orders for six Hunter aircraft.