For nearly two years. each of them had pressed the Saudis to choose Its airplane if the F15 deal should fall through. "When Cap was in Riyadh. both the British and the French were there in strength." says an American who was also there. "I remember one afternoon when the chief of staff of the R.A.F. and an equally senior Frenchman were in adjoining bunkers watching a demonstration by the Saudi Air Force." The British werent optimistic. They regarded the French as better arms merchants. They considered Mrs. Thatcher their own best salesperson but not an equalizer. Actually. the French do outperform the British in the smallservices department: they provide clients with bodyguards. they waive immigration procedures. and they manage press coverageespecially on stateowned televisionvery effectively. The Saudis are made to feel more welcome in France than in Britain or America. In 1980. the French sold six warships. twentyfour helicopters. and a number of missiles to the Saudi Navy. thereby upsetting the Pentagons plan to train and equip it.
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