Document - 23/11/2009

Mike Thomson presents the series using documentary evidence to throw new light on past events. Mike investigates Britain's role during the 1970 coup in oil-rich Oman. History records that it was a family affair, but documents reveal London's hidden hand. Offically, the architect of the coup was the Sultan's son, but in papers seen by the programme, Britain is seen to be calling the shots. Worried that the country's faltering regime could fall to communism and so threaten its vital oil interests, London decided to act. Formerly secret documents clearly show British civil servants and military leaders plotting regime change in Oman, by the use of force if necessary. They concealed their plans and only now can the real story be told.