Going back to the tanks/thanks debate, I always thought that was a play on words gag where Donovan thought the Sultan said "thanks" instead of "tanks" and replied "you're welcome".
It's a bit of wit that was lost on a lot of people and doesn't exist in all languages... but some for of pun was used in certain translations.
When you look at the script, it's printed as...
"You shall have camels, horses, an
armed escort, provisions, desert
vehicles?and tanks!"
There is a slight pause before he says "and tanks" which makes it sounds as if he is thanking Donovan.
Clearly a bit of wit.