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Aircraft.
33. Unarmed aircraft and aircraft engines would not fall
within the scope of the system of export licences if it were
not for the thiopian Arms Traffic Treaty of 1930 (see
paragraph 11), which required every consignment of aircraft
and aircraft engines to Abyssinia to be specifically licensed.
But the Air kinistry have had for many years a working
arrangement with the manufacturers who supply aircraft and
engines for the R.A.F, under which the consent of the Ministry
is obtained before foreign orders for aircraft and engines
are accepted and that Department consults the Foreign office
where considerations of foreign policy appear to be involved.
A note on the Air Ministry action regarding export by the
trade of aircraft, aero engines and armament is attached as
Annex I. The draft Arms Traffic Convention now under
consideration by the League of Nations provides for the
licensing, on export, of all aircraft whether military or
civil, and also aircraft engines, as well as certain definitc
component parts of aircraft. If the Convention is brought
into operation effect will of course be given to this
provision.
Licences issued and refused.
34. A statistical statement is attached (Annex H) which
shows the number of arms export licences issued and the
number of applications for licences to export war material
refused in each year since 1929.
35. The number of licences refused is small but this is to
be expected as the suppliers well know the position and
accordingly ao not apply for licences where they know they
will not be granted. Apart from this the vice Departments
have a close understanding with the manufacturers, which
enables them effectively to control the export of arms which
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