When the fourth Arab-Israeli War broke out in October 1973, the British government decided unilaterally to impose an arms embargo on the combatant countries. The embargo was criticised because it was perceived as biased, ineffectual, and as jeopardising British business prospects. Indeed, it could also have tarnished Britain's reputation as a reliable arms supplier in the Middle East. Although the British recognised the disadvantages of the embargo for their arms industry, at the same time London had to consider her greater and longer-term economic interests. Based on the declassified archival records, this essay will analyse the significant links between the economic interests and the British policy to end the war for a just and lasting peace settlement in the Middle East as declared in the embargo.