Westminster Blog

(I first published this last October but thought it could be of renewed interest).

The following documents, obtained by my freedom of information request, refer to a contract signed in early 2008 between General Dynamics UK (the British arm of the US company) and the Libyan government to supply a communication system for its military.

The $165m deal was the first major defence deal between a British company and the north African state since an embargo was lifted in 2004.

The letters provide an interesting insight into the way that the Foreign Office provides help in assisting British business overseas – which is one of William Hague’s top priorities.

The redactions are by the FCO, which did not provide the dates of the letter. General Dynamics confirmed that the correspondence refers to the communciations deal.

Letter from General Dynamics United Kingdom Ltd to His Excellency, Sir Vincent Fean KCVO, Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya

Dear Vincent

As I sit on the aeroplane back to London after my first visit to Libya, I wanted immediately to write to thank you, not only for your extremely generous hospitality, but also for your personal interest and support on the rocky road towards success in the […] programme.

I am convinced that we would not be in the optimistic position in which we find ourselves without […] that your involvement […] and neither would we be able to make suggestions to the Libyans authorities on […] without your advice. So – my warmest thanks. We are genuinely indebted to you.

I will write to […] today to report that we have successfully concluded our talks with [...] to their total satisfaction and that, under your sponsorship, we discussed the whole matter of […]. I will also of course ask him again for the earliest possible meeting. We have, as a precaution, and encouraged by […] about the ‘programmability’ of such a meeting later this week, booked in the Corinthia from Friday to Sunday nights – I hope that I am not tempting Providence!

I therefore very much look forward to seeing you again soon. In the meantime I will contact [...] so that you may meet him when mutually convenient.

Yours most sincerely,

Letter from General Dynamics United Kingdom Ltd to His Excellency, Sir Vincent Fean KCVO, Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya

Dear Vincent

The Libyans have […] made the initial down payment, honouring their contract, which now allows us to start moving forward in delivering the […] contract. This remains a very challenging process in which we will need to keep working closely together: I would like to thank you again for all your efforts on our behalf, and we will keep you updated as we move forward with the programme.

Thanks for not giving up when all looked lost on several occasions! Persistence was all!

My best regards

Letter from His Excellency, Sir Vincent Fean KCVO, Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya to from General Dynamics United Kingdom Ltd

Libya, General Dynamics UK and the Chevening Scholarship Scheme

I am writing to you to request General Dynamics UK’s support for the Chevening Scholarship Scheme, implemented here in Libya and in over 150 countries around the world.

These scholarships, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and administered by the British Council, are prestigious awards which enable overseas student to study in the United Kingdom for an academic year. Typically the scholarships are awarded, after a careful selection process, to talented graduates and young professionals who wish to pursue Masters-level studies in the UK for one academic year, gaining skills which will benefit Libya.

Each year the Chevening programme provides around 2,300 new scholarships worldwide for postgraduate studies or research at UK Institutions of Higher Education. Here in Libya we currently offer 7 or 8 such scholarships per year but, with the help of valued friends and partners, I hope to increase this number through sponsorship. This is why I am taking the liberty of contacting you.

A number of prestigious international companies offer financial support to the scheme. The extent of their involvement in the administration and selection process tends to vary from country to country. Sponsorship usually involves the financing of one or more one-year scholarships [ ] which covers course fees, flights and a stipend sufficient for a scholar to live simply but comfortably in the UK for the duration of the course.

The British Council manages the scheme, administers the selection processes (in which sponsoring organisations are welcome to participate if they wish), places the successful scholars on suitable courses and offers support to them in the UK during their studies. Sponsors are offered appropriate profile and exposure during any pre-departure activity or publicity and will have the opportunity of engaging with our growing body of Libyan Chevening alumni in future events. Payment will be requested in the UK Financial Year 2010-11.

If you are interested in knowing more about the Chevening scholarship programme, the following website may be of interest: www.chevening.com

If you need more information on which to base a decision, please contact the Chevening Officer at the British Embassy, […] or the Director of the British Council in Libya, […] who will be happy to discuss details.

Vincent Fean