Relations between Qatar and the UK

This file concerns Qatar-UK relations. It contains correspondence on:

• Talks between the visiting Minister of State Richard Luce and the Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saif Al Thani
• A suggestion that a British parliamentary delegation due to visit the UAE should also visit Qatar, with the names of MPs interested and suggested itinerary details
• The surprise of Qatar’s Ambassador in London Sherida Sa’ad Jubran Al Ka’abi that Qatar is expected to pay all the costs of the proposed MPs' visit, with a personality note on the Ambassador and the possibility that the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) might foot the bill
• A country assessment paper on Qatar, covering bilateral relations, trade, and defence ties and with statistical information
• The recent success of France in securing defence sales in Qatar
• A proposed visit to Qatar by John Behague to advise on improving local television news bulletins
• A job description for a senior expert in television studio maintenance and control
• The possibility of mounting a cannon on the Doha corniche at State Plaza, with a quotation from Arbour Antiques Limited with photocopies of photographs
• The translation into Arabic of William Shakespeare plays, and the involvement of B L Strachan
• The opening of new offices of the Arab Society of Certified Accountants
• Criticism in the Gulf Times of British backing for US policy in Lebanon
• Talks between Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and J F Walker, on the kidnapping of Deputy Commander-in-Chief Brigadier Mohammad Bin Abdulla Al Attiyah and ‘crimes of honour’ in the armed forces, security, and the North Field gas development
• Qatari concerns over the granting of British passports to defectors, connected to the case of a former Somali Ambassador to the UAE Abdul Rahman Ahmad Ali
• An architectural conference proposed by the Duke of Gloucester.