DSR 11C
Celassi fred
STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS
(confirmed in 1976)
that on
The Defence Policy Staff concluded in 19733/that technical security grounds the sale of Harrier would involve the transfer to the Chinese of a considerable amount of defence technology. [Adith the passage of time it would become possible to sell the Chinese a version of Harrier with less classified material, but any sale would, nonetheless involve the transfer of some highly sensitive technology]. The Defence Policy Staff also concluded that the acquisition of 200 Harrier aircraft would not give rise to overriding strategic objections fo far as Britain is concerned. With regard to the Sino-Soviet balance, the current and future Soviet lead over the Chinese is so great that even the acquisition of 200 aircraft would make no difference to the overal balance. With regard to neighbours (with the exception of India), Chinese superiority is so pronounced that while the acquisition of Harrier aircraft might facilitate Soviet military actions, they would not influence an otherwise even outcome. Nonetheless both
Taiwan and South Korea might consider that Chinese advantage over them had been advanced to the point where a quick
attack
knock-out play before United States reinforcements could arrive in strength would seem/more tempting possibility to
the Chinese.
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