TNAG-1341-FCO40-17721-Visit-by-Margaret-Thatcher--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Beijing-fo-1985 — Page 82

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that would lead to the militarization of space, which you

Is there such a thing as have said you are concerned about?

pure research?

PRINE MINISTER

I have already indicated that the Soviet Union was ahead on anti-satellite satellites and we believe is very advanced on lasers and electronic pulse beams, and as

you know, has these very very big radars and as you know, has more experience of anti-ballistic missile systems, because

she deployed one in i

Moscow, than we have.

It is necessary, therefore, to embark upon a process of research on these matters really in order for the United States to keep balance and not to let the Soviet Union get ahead, so if your question is do you think that is going£x

to fuel problems, then my answer is:

already there must be

problems because of the way in which the Soviet Union have

an anti-satellite capability greater than we have.

QUESTION

But they are not likely to stop and wait for the

Does that concern you?

United States to catch up with them.

PRIME. MINISTER

In that case, you are increasing the case for the

United States to go ahead with research.

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