Exports of military equipment from UK to Kuwait

This file concerns the sale of arms and military equipment to Kuwait. It concerns the Kuwaiti aim of building up the Kuwait Defence Services (KDS) in response to the military threat from Iraq, after a border dispute in March 1973. It details

• The proposed sale of military equipment and competition between Britain, France and the US for arms sales to Kuwait
• The competing interests of Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Oman in purchasing armoured fighting vehicles
• The successful visit of a floating defence exhibition to Kuwait aboard the RFA Tarbatness
• Proposals for the establishment of a naval section of the KDS
• The question of undertaking demonstrations of British munitions and military equipment to the Kuwaitis
• The possibility of Kuwait transferring troops and equipment to Syria, and the purchase of winter clothing for Kuwaiti troops in Syria
• The presence of Kuwaiti troops at the Suez Canal and the apparent preparation for engagement by Kuwaiti units
• The movement of Kuwaiti aircraft to Egypt
• Delays to Kuwaiti arms purchases due to heightened tensions following the 1973 Arab-Israel War
• The problem of ammunition sold to Kuwait reaching troops stationed on Israeli borders
• HMG’s policy of continuing arms sales to the Gulf to ensure the security of the Gulf States, in the context of HMG’s embargo on other Arab countries following the 1973 Arab-Israel War; the issue of the embargo damaging British interests; the influence of HMG’s policy stands on prospects for arms sales to Kuwait; and the question of lifting the embargo
• General Sheikh Mubarak Al Abdulla Al Sabah’s request for the resignation of Major Sheikh Jabir Al Humood Al Sabah
• Concerns that Kuwait might purchase equipment from the Soviet Union, and whether Kuwait might do so on Syria’s behalf
• Kuwaiti apprehensions about Britain’s apparent reluctance to support Kuwait through arms sales, particularly in contrast to the helpful approaches of French and American sales teams; and the question of improving Britain’s presentation with respect to arms sales. The file also concerns the possibility of a major contract for the sale of British tanks to Kuwait, containing correspondence relating to:
• The visit of the Kuwaiti Armoured Committee to the UK to review tanks
• Kuwaiti requests for reductions in price
• The problem of the high prices for spare parts and servicing arrangements
• Kuwaiti concerns regarding the performance of British tank engines
• Rumours of the completion of a deal for American tanks, and the question of HMG leaking damaging information about the negotiations between Kuwait and the US