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Anglo Libyan relations and the British military facilities 1964-1970 Sean W Straw BA MA Thesis submitted to the University of Nottingham for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy August 2010 Abstract This study explores the role of the Anglo-Libyan relationship and the British military facilities in the Labour Government‟s foreign and defence policy from 1964 to 1970. This relationship, built upon a “shared tradition” of strategic self interest, was given form in the 1953 treaty which permitted British deployments. The military presence enabled the British to maintain their wider strategic interests East of Suez as well as provide security for the Idris regime in Tripoli. As the Labour Government made cuts in Britain‟s defence policy, Libya lost its strategic value but grew in importance for the trade opportunities it offered. In line with defence cuts and a Libyan withdrawal request in 1967, the facilities were scaled back. The remaining presence enabled the British to exploit the growing Libyan economy and maintain influence and defence interests in the country. Tripoli grew increasingly unnerved by the political and territorial ambitions of its Arab Nationalist neighbours, Egypt and Algeria, whilst London regarded Libya as vulnerable to economic and political penetration from the Soviet Union, placing the relationship within the context of the Cold War and Western security. As a consequence the Labour Government encouraged the Libyans to take greater responsibility for their defence, exporting arms to Tripoli and welcoming attempts by Prime Minister Al-Bakkoush to develop the country using oil revenue. After the 1969 Libyan revolution the Labour Government, concerned by the strategic implications of an Arab Nationalist regime in Tripoli, sought to secure Britain‟s position and steer the regime away from participating in the Arab-Israeli conflict. However, Tripoli was no longer politically inclined towards the West and London‟s attempt to forge a relationship, using existing arms contracts, was complicated by the contentious issue of the sale of Chieftain tanks negotiated with the previous regime. Negotiations floundered and British interests, including a residual presence were lost. Not until thirty years later did the relationship regain any of its former geniality as a strategic “shared tradition” re-emerged to bring the two nations together once more. i Attestation I understand the nature of plagiarism, and I am aware of the University‟s policy on this I certify that this Thesis reports original work by me during my University project Signature Date ii Acknowledgements I would like to thank the following: Dr Spencer Mawby, for his guidance and support as well as meticulous reviewing of my work which has enabled me to complete this thesis. Dr Wynn Rees of the Politics Department, University of Nottingham for providing me with the opportunity to undertake this study in the first place. Finally thanks to Dr T Allen of the University of London for providing encouragement, support and technical back up. I would like to thank Amal (Molly) Tarhuni, fellow doctoral student LSE, for providing me with encouragement by providing links to other researchers, academics and students involved in the study of Libya. I would also like to mention Brian Wildeman, ex RAF, for furnishing myself with an interest in the Libyan deployments. Personal thanks go to those individuals who have always shown an interest in my studies and thereby have encouraged me to persevere. Special mention goes to Andy B, for being Andy B and believing in me more than I do myself at times, colleagues at Coventry Local Authority (Education) who regularly asked about my progress, including Janice Taggart. I must also mention Michael Scott for being an inspiration in enthusiasm and focus. iii Contents Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. vi List of Figures................................................................................................................. viii Map 1 Libya 1967 ............................................................................................................ ix Map 2 East of Suez .......................................................................................................... x 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Analysis ............................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Methodology ........................................................................................................ 8 1.3 Historiography .................................................................................................... 10 1.4 Britain and Libya 1945 to 1964 ........................................................................... 27 2 The Anglo-Libyan Review 1964-1965 ........................................................................ 47 2.1 Libyan Defence and Political Relations ............................................................... 50 2.2 Economic Interests............................................................................................. 61 2.3 Strategic Concerns............................................................................................. 67 2.4 Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 72 3 East of Suez and Libya 1965-1966 ............................................................................ 74 3.1 Strategic Contraction .......................................................................................... 77 3.2 Libyan Defence and the United States................................................................ 84 3.3 The Facilities and Political Relations .................................................................. 99 3.4 Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 114 4 The Six Day War 1967............................................................................................. 116 4.1 The War and Anglo-Libyan Relations ............................................................... 120 4.2 Anglo-Libyan Economic Relations .................................................................... 138 4.3 Britain‟s Strategic Policy ................................................................................... 148 4.4 Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 166 5 Twilight of Relations 1968 -1969 .............................................................................. 169 5.1 Rebuilding the Relationship .............................................................................. 173 5.2 Defence Planning ............................................................................................. 184 5.3 Libya‟s Commercial Environment ..................................................................... 190 iv 5.4 The End of East of Suez .................................................................................. 200 5.5 Expanding Military Involvement ........................................................................ 212 5.6 Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 217 6 The Revolution 1969-1970....................................................................................... 219 6.1 New Political Relations ..................................................................................... 226 6.2 Strategic Implications ....................................................................................... 231 6.3 Securing Economic Interests ............................................................................ 234 6.4 The Chieftain tank ............................................................................................ 239 6.5 Reviewing the Relationship .............................................................................. 252 6.6 Labour Leaves Office ....................................................................................... 276 6.7 Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 284 7 General Conclusion ................................................................................................. 289 Bibliography ................................................................................................................. 302 Primary Sources ....................................................................................................... 302 National Archives .................................................................................................. 302 Official Publications .............................................................................................. 305 Memoirs and Dairies ............................................................................................. 306 Secondary Sources .................................................................................................. 307 Books ................................................................................................................... 307 Articles ................................................................................................................. 311 Electronic Sources ...............................................................................................