Can we do a search on the individuals named in this 2004 Guardian report?

[blm]

I have a suspicion it connects to the port deal, arms dealing and BushInc in general. My domestic responsibilities (hungry 5yo) are interrupting my search.

>>>>>
Documents previously seized by MoD police detail £17m of alleged payments to a Saudi responsible for arms purchases from Britain, Prince Turki bin Nasser.
The new documents refer to events in spring 2002, when BAE faced a crisis over US and British pressure to curb corruption in foreign contracts. Those involved say BAE sought to restrict future payments, following a deal with the US contractor Lockheed, and the passage of new British legislation.

In the documents the Guardian has seen, a memo dated March 13 2002 refers to a phone call from the slush fund's alleged controller, Tony Winship, to Stuart Fordyce, the finance director of a front company, Travellers' World Ltd, which was handling the payments for the benefit of prominent Saudis.

Mr Fordyce says: "Tony phoned me ... said he had just had a meeting with SDE. His meeting was very positive ... SDE was very supportive and reinforced the message already given you by TBN ... SDE personally dropped Tony off at the Carlton Tower after the meeting."

A second note in the Travellers' World files is dated February 11 2002. It refers to a meeting at the Carlton Tower hotel between Sir Dick and Prince Turki himself.

A third memo, dated March 4 2002, allegedly refers to a phone call from Mr Winship. It says: "Tony said he had 2 conversations with the top man in Preston" - BAE headquarters.

A fourth note is a copy of a letter to the firm's solicitors, Blake-Turner & Co, dated April 9 2002. It refers to "the meeting between TBN and Dick Evans on 8 April" and says: "I am advised BAE intend to continue paying for the TBN programme".

On May 28, according to the files, a meeting took place involving Damien Turner, a BAE executive. He is recorded saying that Peter Wilson, the senior executive in charge of the Saudi programme, was unwilling to process any more payments to Saudis, largely because of the Lockheed deal. "Damien said 30% of BAE sales were now into the US market. It was a 'very sensitive issue'.

"Damien added that BAE had long-term interests in Saudi ... but they might not be happening for 1-2 years."
>>>>>>>
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/foreignaffairs/story/0,11538,1209754,00.html

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. While that scandal indeed deserves investigation

why do you think it has a link to ports? It's the latest bit in a long line of bribes paid by BAE to Saudis for arms - it stretches back to Mark Thatcher, and how he became a millionaire without having any talent for anything. But where is the link to Dubai or P&O?

[blm]

2. The last two pieces of clipped info in OP -

there were interests that would be coming in the next year or 2 - deals that wouldn't be made until Bush retained control of WH, is my guess. The port deal was in the works in Dec 2004.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Saudi Arabia is not UAE. BAE is not P&O. (n/t)

[blm]

5. I know - but both are still involved with BushInc and those connection

have popped up in every other Bush scandal like BCCI. And it's not like they're strangers - fer chrissakes, they operate in the exact same circles. I know call girls who've partied with both Saudis and UAE royals - at the same events.

This is a quest to search out players and links for interested people. If you aren't interested in doing the legwork, then move on. Or is there another reason you are interested in dampening the efforts here?

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. OK, I'll move on

If the connection is "they're Arab royals", then you'll have a lot to investigate. Good luck - and with the hungry 5yo too!

[blm]

7. Listen - I know the difference, and since BCCI, I know the similarities.

There are Saudi royals and UAE royals and on fascist issues they have the same partner - Bush.

[David Zephyr]

4. Eye opening.

Thanks, blm.