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For selling advanced engines with the proviso that they wouldn't be used for military purposes (sure!). It was a combination of desperately trying to improve ba
by pinewurst 4y ago
For selling advanced engines with the proviso that they wouldn't be used for military purposes (sure!). It was a combination of desperately trying to improve balance of payments - though the chance of the USSR buying more than a handful was nil - magnified by Stafford Cripps' Stalin sympathies/naivete.
- MichaelZuo 4y agoI’m fairly certain the folks selling jet engines in post WW2 Britain had been around the block. They almost surely understood it would be used for military purposes as well. And plus it’s not exactly something that could be hidden from the government so it must have been approved by several people too. It’s not plausible to suggest all these folks were Pollyannas. The more plausible explanation is that they didn’t really mind if the Soviet Union strengthened its military aviation.
- abudabi123 4y agoA simpler explanation is everyone wants to get paid. Cheating and stealing and worse is imaginable.
- MichaelZuo 4y agoProfit is also quite likely a motive. Though I’m not sure why that’s simpler. Since it couldn’t be done quickly or discreetly, there was likely ample time to reflect on possible consequences.