UK defence sales to the Persian Gulf

This file concerns UK arms sales to the Gulf. It contains background briefing papers and correspondence on:

• The ‘Ministry of Defence [MOD], Defence Sales Organisation [DSO] Strategic Plan 1983-1993’ outlining the scale, scope and strengths of the UK defence industry, the potential for sales to the Gulf and especially Saudi Arabia, including Tornado and Hawk aircraft; with drafts, and a final text of the plan
• Background letters by A G Munro of the DSO on Gulf defence sales prospects
• The possibility, raised by Alec Sansom, of British Aerospace developing sales to Iraq
• A letter from Sir Ronald Ellis concerning errors in an article by Frederic S Pearson in the spring edition of the Chatham House Magazine relating to his dealings with the Shah; and the editor’s reply
• The possible supply of the Marconi Anti-Aircraft Gun Turret and Mobile military fire control system
• An article in the May edition of the Journal of Defence and Diplomacy on the Mirage 2000 aircraft, mentioning the Tornado aircraft
• An explanatory letter to Oman’s Foreign Minister Yusif Al Alawi concerning the recent loss of a Tornado aircraft
• The sales of Hawk training aircraft to Kuwait and Tornados to Oman
• A visit by Minister of State Richard Luce to Oman
• The prospect of Bahrain ordering Lurssen patrol boats from Vosper Thornycroft
• West Germany's arms sales to the Middle East.