§ 65. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will enunciate the principles which govern the supply of British arms to foreign Powers.
§ Mr. ProfumoAll applications for the supply of arms abroad are examined by the Government Departments concerned in the light of the political, strategic and economic implications of each individual case. Subject to these factors, the general principles followed are that sales are authorised to recognised and stable Governments which are in normal diplomatic relations with Her Majesty's Government. Sales are not authorised where the arms are, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, likely to be re-exported; or to be used for aggression against or subversion of other countries; or where such sales would have a generally prejudicial effect upon the stability of the area as a whole.