Visits by deputy ruler

This file concerns the visit of the Deputy Ruler of Qatar Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani to the UK in July 1968. It contains correspondence, memoranda, briefs, personality notes and talking points concerning:

• Arrangements for Sheikh Khalifa's visit and return journey
• Correspondence concerning previous trouble with W T Wells
• Meeting of the Gulf Rulers in Abu Dhabi concerning the drafting of a constitution and establishment of a temporary federal council for the proposed Union of Arab Emirates
• Reception for Sheikh Khalifa at the airport
• Articles in the Financial Times, The Times and the Scotsman concerning the visit
• Speech for a lunch held in Sheikh Khalifa’s honour by Minister of State Goronwy Roberts, and their subsequent meeting
• Sheikh Khalifa’s wish to gift a white oryx to the Queen
• Proposals for Sheikh Khalifa to visit the UN and the US State Department
• Sheikh Khalifa’s courtesy call on Defence Secretary Denis Healey
• Defence sales between Britain and Qatar
• Possible purchase of aircraft by Middle East Airlines
• Sheikh Khalifa’s visit to Parliament
• Sheikh Khalifa’s meeting with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh [Phillip Mountbatten] at a garden party at Buckingham Palace; Sheikh Khalifa’s offence at not having had a more private reception; and a debate concerning ‘bending the rules’ on royal protocol
• Thank you letters from Sheikh Khalifa

The file also concerns:

• Invitation for Sheikh Khalifa to visit Iran
• Rumours concerning payments from Qatar to Bahrain for arms purchases