Proposed visits by rulers of Bahrain and Qatar to UK during 1972

This file contains correspondence relating to proposals to invite the Ruler of Qatar Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali Al Thani and the Ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa for official visits to the UK in 1971. It includes consideration of the political, practical, commercial and strategic benefits and difficulties, and also covers:

• HMG's concern about upsetting the Deputy Ruler of Qatar Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani, who will be making a private visit to Europe, and who is responsible for any contracts with the Government, including Cable & Wireless Limited and International Aeradio Limited (IAL)
• The question of whether it is practical to arrange visits when HMG is busy with arrangements for Britain's withdrawal from the Gulf
• Consideration that the Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum's visit resulted in commercial, though not political benefits
• A planned private visit by Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed Al Said to the UK
• The general question of future visits for Gulf Rulers after Britain's withdrawal from the region and the establishment of new relationships