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THE MINISTER OF AVIATION said that the proposed agreement was industrially advantageous. It was however essential to commit the French firmly to the G 13 since our capability in the field of helicopter design depended on this project. It should also be an ain in the negotiations to have French agreement recorded to adopt a British engine in the WG 13 if the there had been some signs engine design now being worked out were suitable:
Even
recently that the French were seeking to avoid this commitment. relatively modest success with exports would eliminate the maximum possible deficit of £8 million over the whole agreement in our balance of payments.
It
In discussion there was general agreement with the proposals. was confirmed that these would not prejudice the outcome of the current further defence studies: there was also a prospect that one of the proposed
The Committee noted that
helicopters, the SA 340, would find civil markets. the three helicopters had been devised to meet our particular needs after studying our own experience and that of the United States forces in Vietnam. They would be used to move men and supplies and not, as in current United States operations in Vietnam, in an armed role.
The Committee
Approved OPD (67) 2.
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