As
undertaking on the part of Argentina not to resume hostilities. we have always said, however, it is for each country to decide its own policy on arms sales.
WHAT REPRESENTATIONS WERE MADE?
13. We have made our views very plain to the French Government on a number of occasions over the last few months. The French delayed handing over the items in question for some months after formally lifting their embargo against Argentina, and are, we believe, showing a fair measure of restraint over new orders of sensitive items.
WHY DON'T WE STOP SUPPLYING EXOCET COMPONENTS?
14. The components are supplied under long-standing contracts of considerable commercial value to the companies concerned. EXOCETS are supplied to many countries throughout the world besides Argentina, including the Royal Navy. It would simply not be practicable to insist on end-user certificates in these circumstances.
PRESS REPORTS OF FRENCH EXOCETS SUPPLIED TO THE SUDAN DESTINED FOR ARGENTINA
15. We have looked into this matter and are satisfied that there is no threat to British interests.
US ARMS SALES
16. US arms sales are restricted by Congress. We have made clear to the US Administration that we should regret the lifting of the restrictions, especially in view of Argentina's refusal to agree a formal cessation of hostilities.
ROLLS ROYCE ENGINES FOR ARGENTINE FRIGATES UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN WEST GERMANY?
17.
As my Rt Hon Friend the then Secretary of State for Defence made clear in the House on 22 November, the engines are part of a longstanding contract with a NATO ally. In making these available we made it clear that we would be concerned about early delivery to Argentina.
WHEN WAS FIRST ROLLS ROYCE CONTRACT SIGNED?
18. The first contract for Rolls Royce engines for the Argentine ships was signed in April 1979 - ie under the last (Labour) government.
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