France to block delivery of Libyan patrol boats?

March 2, 1981

France has decided to block delivery to Libya of 10 missile-carrying patrol boats ordered by Tripoli four years ago, informed sources said. The decision was made in retaliation for Libya's role in the recent Chad civil war and the announcement last month that Chad, a former French colony, was to be merged with Libya.

Meanwhile, Sudan, concerned about what it considers to be the danger of Libyan-inspired subversion, said it wanted to establish closer ties with Egypt, a mi litary ally and neighbor.