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of the ships has attracted minor adverse publicity; the decision to release armoured vehicle spares has not so far attracted attention. Iraq has protested formally, but in low key, about the release of the Yarrow Ships. The Arab League are also expected to protest in writing to the Secretary of State. The Iranian Foreign Minister has not yet agreed to meet the Secretary of State in the margins of UNGA, but seems to be in favour.
10. Mines in the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez
In the last two months approximately 18 ships have been damaged by mines laid at the entrances to the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Suez and the Bab al Mandab Straits (but only two in the last fortnight). At the request of the Egyptian Government, American, British, French and Italian naval units are taking part in mine clearing operations in the Gulf of Suez. The Russians are taking similar action in the Bab al Mandab. The Royal Navy has provided four Mine Counter Measures Vessels which were previously on station in the Mediterranean in case they were needed in the Persian Gulf. No unexploded mines have yet been located, and responsibility for the mining has still not been established. Libya or Iran seem the likely culprits. Publicity for our involvement has been favourable.
AFRICA
11. Western aid to Sudan
There is still no indication that President Nimeiri intends to modify his policies on Islamisation. We have examined the possibility of encouraging approaches (either separate or collective) by aid donors to Sudan to express anxiety about the serious effects on the economy and to emphasise the need to address these before the November Paris Club meeting, to forestall acrimony there. Almost all those concerned have however argued for waiting a little longer. Sir A Stirling arrives in Khartoum on 1 September and has been asked to send us considered views soon after that. Rebel activity continues in the South, but recent reports of dramatic successes are probably greatly over stated.
12.
Nigeria
Bilateral relations have calmed considerably. The repayment of £6.9m pensions debt was presented by the Nigerian Acting High Commissioner as a demonstration of 'business as usual'. But a number of sensitive points remain. Gambari, Minister of External Affairs, claimed on 21 August that certain issues,
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