Don’t investigate how we bribe them! They may get angry! From the Khaleej Times, with thanks to Sr. Soph:
LONDON “” The attorney-general, Lord Goldsmith, has been asked to block a criminal investigation into allegations that Britain’s biggest defence company ran a £60 million slush fund to support the extravagant lifestyle of Saudi businessmen and members of the Saudi royal family.
Goldsmith has been asked by government officials to examine whether the inquiry by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) into the slush fund allegedly run by BAE Company is “in the public interest.”
They fear it could provoke Saudi Arabia into pulling out of Britain’s biggest export contract.
Well placed legal sources say that the Saudis are becoming increasingly alarmed about the inquiry, which is examining how the fund was used to provide Saudi princes and princesses with luxury holidays, Rolls-Royces, rented apartments and other perks. The government decision was taken after the Saudi government had expressed dissatisfaction over the investigation.