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Arms Supplies To Portugal

Volume 330: debated on Monday 1 May 1972

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asked Her Majesty's Government:On what occasions since 1961 have arms or other military equipment been sold or supplied from the United Kingdom to Portugal; and what has been the nature and value of such sale or supply in each case.

It is not the practice to disclose details of defence equipment exported to individual countries.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What assurances or guarantees are demanded from or given by the Portuguese Government, when arms or other military equipment are sold or supplied from the United Kingdom to Portugal, that such arms and other equipment will not be used by Portugal in her colonial wars in Africa; and what steps are taken to ensure that any such assurances or guarantees are adhered to.

We are prepared to supply arms and equipment to Portugal for NATO purposes but not for use in her African territories. The supply of arms to Portugal, as to other countries. is subject to export licence. A licence would not be granted for equipment which we had reason to suppose was not going to be used for NATO purposes.