TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 146

BRITISH RADAR EQUIPMENT FOR EXPORT TO NETHERLANDS FOR INCORPORATION IN RADAR SYSTEMS FOR GERMAN WARHSIPS

19.

As in the case of Rolls Royce engines for these warships, the Government decided to release this equipment for which contracts had been signed with countries well before the outbreak of hostilities.

DID EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED POST-EMBARGO ENABLE EARLY DELIVERY OF THE FIRST WARSHIPS?

20. No. All the equipment for the first ship was delivered before

1982.

FIRST ARGENTINE FRIGATE ("ALMIRANTE BROWN") HANDED OVER ON 2 FEBRUARY

21. It is of course for each country to decide its own policy on arms sales, but we have made our views plain to the Germans on a number of occasions in the course of the close consultations that have taken place between us on this question since the Falklands conflict began.

The Government appreciated the position taken by the Federal Government during the conflict itself, not least over arms deliveries to Argentina. But in view of Argentina's continuing refusal to agree to a formal cessation of hostilities, the Government regrets that the German Government have not felt able to prevent the delivery of the first of these frigates.

BRITISH ACTION FOLLOWING DELIVERY OF ALMIRANTE BROWN

22.

We are well aware of the Almirante Brown's departure from Germany, and are keeping a close watch on her during her passage.

HAS ARGENTINA ACCEPTED CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES?

23. Despite various attempts to persuade the international community that hostilities have ceased 'de facto', the Argentine Government have still failed to issue any unambiguous declaration that hostilities will not be resumed. The Argentine Defence Minister stated in an interview with the Argentine newspaper El Tiempo in mid-January that Argentina would not sign a cessation of hostilities with Britain until she agreed to negotiations in accordance with United Nations proposals.

PROTECTION ZONE

24. Argentina still has not formally and unambiguously declared an end to hostilities. It is a matter of military prudence to exclude all Argentine military aircraft and warships from an area of 150 miles around the Islands.