§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has any evidence that the Soviet Government are supplying arms to the Argentine Government, including materials which would enable them to manufacture the atomic bomb; and, if so, whether he will request the Soviet Government to cease such activities as being contrary to various United Nations decisions and recommendations.
§ Mr. BlakerWe have no evidence to suggest that the Soviet Union has assisted the Argentine Government to acquire a nuclear weapons capability. In common with a number of Western States, the Soviet Union has supplied Argentina with some nuclear materials for civil nuclear purposes and, in accordance with her obligations under the non-proliferation treaty, has arranged with the
Current Strength of the Argentine Navy and the Royal Navy Class of ship Argentine Navy Royal Navy Operational/In service Under construction/ order Operational/ In service under construction/ order Carrier 1 2 2 Cruiser 1 0 Assault Ship 0 2 Destroyers 8 4 12 6 Frigates/Corvettes 3 6 43 5 Conventional submarines 4 6 16 Fleet submarines (nuclear powered) 0 11 4 Note: List excludes mine counter measure vessels, patrol craft, landing craft, support and auxiliary vessels and those under 18m long.