Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:53:03-2:54:23

Foreign Office control over Vickers exports

British enforcement against Vickers' domestic operations leaves uncertainty about exports through overseas branches.

Arms EmbargoesArms TradeRhodesiaSouth AfricaVickers-Armstrongs
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Question

How much control did the Foreign Office have over Vickers-Armstrongs exports?

Short answer

Control was limited in the recalled account. British operations faced restrictions over Rhodesia, while participants believe overseas branches continued supplying it.

Notes

Rhodesia is used as an example of restrictions enforced on British parts of the business. The account is less certain about activities abroad. Participants believe South African and Cape branches continued supplying Rhodesia. They connect those branches with T-54 modifications using Western equipment. British enforcement therefore does not establish what every overseas operation did.