TNAG-0755-FCO40-959-Security-arrangements-at-Kai-Tak-Airport-1978 — Page 105

DICATION

:d.

ING

75

DRAFT

To:-

LETTER

John Gilbert Esq MP Minister of State Ministry of Defence

..in Confidence

Type 1 +

From Mr Judd

Telephone No. Ext.

Department

DOILEA

I wrote to you on 2 February about the then proposed

visit by two SAS officers to the Sudan to look at problems

of planning, budgeting and organisation involved in

expanding the Sudanese Special Force to include an anti-

hijacking capability. I made clear that I did not want

the SAS to become involved directly or indirectly in any

wider security operations at that stage.

I understand that the visit went very well. The SAS

team ascertained, that the Sudanese long term requirement

is for the selection, training and organisation of a small

SAS type force of company size. The team however also

identified an immediate requirement for the creation

of an effective anti-terrorist Special Task Group in time

for the OAU Foreign Ministers meeting and subsequent

Heads of State Summit Conference which are to be held in

Khartoum from 7 to 21 July.

It is

I believe that this requirement is valid and necessary

and that considerable political credit will be gained if

we can provide the necessary training assistance.

clearly in our interests to ensure that the Sudanese are

as well prepared as possible to provide necessary

protection for President Sadat, and other moderate African

Heads of Government. The threat to Sadat and by

association to Nimeiri is particularly strong in the wake

of the Jerusalem visit.

/I

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