GULF
SECRET UK EYES A
47.
The Gulf continues to be the busiest area for Military
Assistance. We have increased the size of our team in Kuwait
over the last year in response to productive negotiations with Kuwait over a new MOU and long outstanding improvements made by
Kuwait to the domestic accommodation of members of the team.
During 1989 we provided a Brigadier to set up a new staff college
in Abu Dhabi, and an RAF officer moved into Bahrain as adviser to
the Commander of the Bahrain Air Wing. Both of these new posts
are proving very successful.
48. During the next year we hope to conclude MOU negotiations
with Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Oman. These will pave the way for possible further increases in our teams in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi,
while in Oman it will provide a framework for the continuance of
LS support when command of SOAF and SON is Omanised. The
probable change to accompanied status for most LS posts will
· assist in the recruitment of volunteers for Oman.
FAR EAST
49.
The Far East is presently a growth area for Military Assistance. The recent Defence Sales agreement with Malaysia includes a Project Team in country, and once the contracts are signed the number of Loan Servicemen and Short Term Training Teams in support of the equipments will grow. The Malaysians have also asked for an extension of the RN WASP Loan Service Team
and are keen to arrange a series of exchanges with the British
Army. The Singaporeans have expressed an interest in a HAWK QFI
and an increase in the Loan Service Personnel with the Gurkha
Police Unit. Thailand has requested an increased number of UK
courses and advisory visits. In Brunei the Fixed Wing Aircraft and Ocean Patrol Vessel projects will require an increase in Loan Service staff in support. Within the land element the transfer
of posts to Bruneian personnel continues. Funding has been agreed for a further year for a reduced Rapier support team in Indonesia. The HAWK QFI will be return to UK in December; because of poor aircraft serviceability he has been unable to
SECRET UK EYES A
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