be revised). He said that at one time the Australian government were concerned that Britain was aiming to go further than the SCRS allowed, but it had worked out alright in the end.
6. Call on Senator Ray, Minister for Defence
In replying to Ray's question about the lessons to be learned from the Gulf conflict, Lord Caithness said the first thing was that the old allies got their act together quicker and worked together better than some other countries. He also mentioned the tremendous efforts of the RAF pilots and the relatively unsung work done. by the Navy, including the Australian contingent, particula. ry′′ in mine clearance. Ray thought that some of the high- technology weaponry used had more than proved itself and that the Soviets would have to do some re-thinking on their tactics and the effectiveness of some of their equipment, though it was of course recognised that the Soviet armed forces were an altogether different kettle of fish from the Iraqis.
Ray said that one of the factors which had resolved the Gulf conflict more quickly than other engagements such as the Vietnam war was that the politicians had given the military clear aims and then let them get on with it without interference. Lord Caithness thought one of the results of the conflict had been the buttressing of UN authority; however, more work would be needed to sustain this. A critical issue for the future would be a workable arms control and limitation treaty.
Jindalee
Lord Caithness said he was pleased to hear the over-the- horizon project was going well and that British companies were playing a significant part in the contract. Ray said the contract had been awarded on quality and price. He would always welcome British participation in Australian defence, or any other, contracts, but only where the equipment or expertise offered was suitable for Australia. He appreciated that many British companies had abandoned their earlier take it or leave it approach and hoped that more companies would "go the extra yard" to modify their product to meet Australia's particular requirements. He did not want to see the services too dependent on US equipment.
Overseas Sales
Ray said that Australia was never going to be a major player in the arms business. Most of their sales were to the UK, the US and New Zealand.
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/India