Saudi fury at slush fund claim threatens thousands of UK jobs

The Times December 05, 2006

Richard Beeston, Diplomatic Editor

Britain’s broader commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia as well as co-operation in the War on Terror are being threatened by the escalating row over a long-running fraud investigation, according to senior Saudi sources.

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A prominent Saudi businessman told The Times yesterday that it was a huge mistake for Britain to alienate the Royal Family, which controls all government contracts in a country flush with the proceeds of record oil prices.

“Saudi Arabia does not make commercial or defence decisions based on what shareholders or voters think,” he said. “It is run like a family business. If you upset members of the family, they will simply choose another supplier.”

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A senior Saudi official confirmed yesterday that the Royal Family felt let down by the SFO investigation. “The Kingdom is very bothered by the leaks made by people inside the British Government. Some documents were released when they should not have been. We are beginning to feel that somebody is deliberately trying to embarrass the Kingdom. It is a matter for the British to clear up.”

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9067-2487315,00.html