4 OCTOBER
LET THE SAUDIS BEHAVE AS THEY WANT TO, SO LONG AS THEY REMAIN AN ALLY.
4 October 1993 – Addressing a conference entitled “Inside Saudi Arabia” at London’s Chatham House, Margaret Thatcher declared that she considered the country “a strong force for moderation and stability,” that she was “a great admirer of Saudi Arabia and the leadership of King Fahd,” and added that “I have no intention of meddling in that country’s internal affairs. It is one of my firmest beliefs that although there are certain basic standards and goals we should expect from every member of the international community, the precise pace and approach must reflect different societies’ cultural, social, economic and historical backgrounds.”
Britain was now not just supplying Saudi Arabia with huge quantities of arms but also training the Saudi National Guard, some of whom probably later went on to fight with the Taliban in Afghanistan.