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reasons relating to the Israeli presence in South Lebanon,
it
has not so far been possible to take up. The recent unilateral
Israeli decision to withdraw from Lebanon in three stages
ending this summer may however clear they way for a visit later
this year.
5. As in the past, the Middle East remains a major market for
British defence equipment, with a number of major prospects
currently delicately poised. These may require visits by the
Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia and Jordan though dates for
these cannot yet be set. For similar reasons, an inward visit
by the Jordanian C in C may be appropriate during the course
of the year, and it is also to be hoepd that the Saudi Arabian
Defence Minister, Prince Sultan, can be persuaded to visit the
UK in view of his country's crucial political position in the
Gulf, their importance as a buyer of defence equipment and their
influence on the procurement policy of a number of other members
of thei Gulf Co-operation Council. There are also outstanding
invitations to the Qatari Crown Prince and the UAE Minister of
Defence to visit the UK.
SE Asia/Far East/Australia
6. The recent postponement by the Indian Government of the
Secretary of State's planned visit to the country in February,
due in part at least to their dissatisfaction with HMG's
handling of Sikh activity in the country, places an even greater
importance on re-establishing our relations with the New Indian
Government. It now looks possible that this visit can be
reinstated for the latter half of April, provided that there are
no unexpected repercussions from the current "spy scandal".
Should the visit fall through, one by Minister (DP), to balance
his expected visit to Pakistan in connection with the Type 21
C 3
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