Guys, thanks a lot. You helped me a great deal. 1. Please note that Orr Kelly's book, ch. 4, is a good source for general information about the tripatriate competition held during 1974-1977. 2. I did some research about Britain's refusal to sell Chieftains to Israel in 1969. I came across a DOD file in the National Archive, KEW, which tells about Israel's request for the 110mm gun in 1970 and 1971. The FO refused to sell the gun as well. The file states that (in 1970) 3m Pounds Sterling (36m Pounds Sterling in today's money) were needed for the completion of the R and D. Does the story make any sense? 3. In 1970 General Israel Tal, the Merkava's father, had a bright idea: Britain will complete the development of the 110mm gun, Israel will develop a 110mm HEAT round and then both partners will start upgrading the many thousands of tanks which packed the L7 and M68 guns. The British FO killed TAl's vision. Thanks again. Saul