CONFIDENTIAL
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FOLLOWING FOR GENERAL SCOWCROFT FROM CHARLES POWELL:
PLEASE PASS FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT FROM THE PRIME
MINISTER:
Dear George,
There are some points which I would like to make to you about the cost of the Gulf conflict.
The United States is bearing the brunt of the military burden in the Gulf. It is right that the Gulf States, and other wealthy countries which have not made a substantial military contribution, should help you financially. I welcome the success you have had in obtaining pledges of assistance. It is very good
news.
The cost to Britain is also great and a matter of concern to the people here. There is a growing feeling both in Parliament and the press, that we are not receiving enough support from wealthy potential donors. The announcements of the large pledges to the United States from Kuwait, Japan, Germany, and Saudi Arabia have not surprisingly strengthened that view. is pre-eminent, but ours is substantial too.
Your role
We are making our own approaches: and like you, we are seeking contributions principally from Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE, but possibly from some others too Helmut Kohl last night announced some very welcome assistance of DM 800 million. I have spoken to him today, to convey our thanks. We are in touch with the others.
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Some coordination of our efforts would be beneficial. would be particularly helpful if the United States was seen to
CONFIDENTIAL
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