Gulf arms step-up urged by Thatcher to guard oil

April 17, 1981

British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher advocated strengthening Gulf states' defenses to guarantee the security of Gulf oil supplies. Without naming the Soviet Union, she said in a speech that the "invasion" of Afghanistan had raised concerns and uncertainties in the region and throughout the world. Mrs. Thatcher, who is in India for a five-day official visit, was addressing members of the Indian Parliament afte r two days of talks with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.