CONFIDENTIAL
C
- 2
c) Faragraph 15 (ie the second recommendation) is rather forthcoming in its implication that Ministers should agree to sell gas turbines. There is no need to ask for the paragraph to be redrafted, but it should be stressed that it will be necessary to look seriously again at the situation in the light of the CDS's report. It might be worth adding a phrase to indicate that it will also be necessary to bear in mind the reactions of the Americans to our preliminary soundings (both those which arise from Mr Mulley's talk with Dr Harold Brown, and the conversation which we plan to have with the American Embassy in London next
week.
HARRIER
4.
The Ministry of Defence may argue that the final recommendation (paragraph 29) should be rephrased so as to say "HMG would welcome an approach from the Chinese on the Harrier". This is probably too forthcoming at this stage. The best way to proceed may be to remit discussion from DOPO (SE) to a smaller bilateral MOD/FCO group, which might consider the briefing for the CDS in the light of a general instruction from the Committee. It has been agreed informally that the MOD will draft detailed background notes for the CDS's visit on Harrier, Gas Turbines, Other Defence Sales, and Exhibitions, as well as brief notes on Spey and Trident. The FCO are to produce a draft Steering Brief with a line for the CDS to take with the Chinese, and subsequently if necessary, with the press. The FCO draft is attached (the MOD material which is mainly factual will not be tabled at the meeting, but is being sent to the FCO.)
5. Mr Healey has suggested that the CDS should be briefed on credit. It seems unlikely in practice that the Chinese would want credit for the sale of Harrier. The Treasury representative might
CONFIDENTIAL
/be
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.