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The result of five years' research, this analysis of the defence trade between Britain and the Gulf is based on access to documents and participants in the arms-to-Iraq and Iran cases. In the aftermath of the Scott report, this text provides an account of British decision-making about defence and dual-use goods to Iran and Iraq during the 1980s and, in particular, the role played by Government ministers. It is argued that arms sales are fundamental to the establishment of wider trading relations, but, in turn, bring "reverse influence". As such, they are inextricably bound up in diplomacy. The work offers an explanation of, on the one hand, a public policy of restraint, and, on the other, unofficial supply of arms.