Play for Today (1970–1984): Season 11, Episode 16 - Beloved Enemy - full transcript
A corporation decides to outsource one of their contracts to the U.S.S.R. during the Cold War. As they work with politicians on both sides of the table to keep the story out of the press, they also try to keep the contract.
(DOG BARKING)
WOMAN: Come on. Come on.
Hi, Johnny.
Come on!
Fetch!
-Good morning, Albert
-Good morning, Sir Peter.
(DOG BARKING)
(INAUDIBLE)
(BIG BEN CHIMING)
-Good morning, Sir Peter.
-Good morning, Reginald.
-Anything to take I, sir?
-No, just me.
Sir.
Thank you.
-There's a fire down by the river.
-Yes, sir.
-Plenty of water. Soon put it out.
-Yes, sir.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
-(KNOCK AT DOOR)
-Come in.
-Good morning, Phyllis, do come in.
-Good morning, sir.
(CONTINUES RUSSIAN CONVERSATION)
-Do svidanya.
-Do svidanya.
And on Tuesday, you'll have to
leave early for Cambridge,
for the Anglo-German Conference.
I may chuck that out,
depending what's on at the Treasury.
If 1 go, I'd like to go on the train,
I prefer it.
You've got several meetings
here on Wednesday,
-mainly constituency business.
-Mmm-hmm.
Oh, looks a bit full.
Ah... Ah...
Mmm. Oh, I don't want to see him.
On Thursday, you're due to give
the annual freedom of speech lecture
-at your old school.
-Oh
-Followed by lunch with the boys.
-Do I have to stay for lunch?
-Well, it's tradition.
-God help me.
Well, you'd better book me a haircut,
I feel as if it's all over my shoulders.
No, it's already quite full
and I'd like to keep
the rest of this time clear.
I may have to go to Geneva on Wednesday,
$0 be prepared to cancel that
-And the Russians said yes to Thursday?
-Yes, they have.
-For lunch?
-Yes
Good.
Something traditional,
I think, don't you?
-Roast beef and Yorkshire pud perhaps.
-Right
Thank you.
Morning.
-Morning.
SIR PETER: Morning, Robbie.
BARBARA: Morning, Mr Blake.
BLAKE: Morning.
-I tell Sir Peter you're here.
-Thank you very much
-Would you like some coffee?
-No, thanks.
SIR PETER: How was Moscow?
You didn't say much on Friday.
-Impressive. I put through a report.
-Good.
I don't think we should do
a thing about it, sit on it.
-I agree
-They're paying the interest.
Had to fight my way
through the Japanese.
-What else?
-Kozlov. Working hard on our behalf.
Good.
-Ready, Robbie?
-Ready.
-Ready, Barbara?
-Yes, Sir Peter.
All ready, Mr Waters?
Everything is clean, Miss Knight.
Thank you.
Did you know, incidentally,
the Chinese are doing
great things with earthquakes?
They're a big problem for the Chinese.
They haven't got
adequate warning systems.
They need to know
when to get their Chinese bums
out of their Chinese skyscrapers
before the whole damn chute comes
crashing down on their Chinese heads.
-It's a problem.
-I say.
They've got over 10,000 people
working on the project,
but they lack technology.
-We should move on it.
-I think so.
Perhaps you could raise it this morning?
Does sound like
a good one for Kenneth, hmm?
Mr Scott is not here.
He has something at the Treasury.
And Mr Ferguson is at the Anglo-Soviet
Trade Council Headquarters.
Good. Now, opening blurb.
As you all know,
we've been contemplating
some major modifications
in our global strategy
and we face some vital decisions
on our new investment priorities.
We've just seen the closure
of two of our factories here
and one in Eisenbart, they had to go
and others will follow
We've got some important
negotiations in the pipeline
and I wanted to grab
the opportunity of a short confab
with the benefit of Harry's presence
before he darts back to America,
so let's get to it.
Now, we have the Russians
coming to lunch next Thursday.
They're over here in coachloads,
offering us a chance to get in on
the next five-year plan. Robbie?
Well, the British Government's
very keen to get in on the act.
They are to provide financial backing
in the form of credit to the Russians
Yes, there was a big do
to herald the whole thing.
A lot of top boffos from the Treasury,
the PM,
the Governor of the Bank of England.
And the Russians
imported an impressive display,
all KGB-that-as-it-may,
every man jack of them.
(LAUGHING)
Sorry, do go on, Robbie,
the credits.
Yes, Peter.
So the Russians are now
out shopping with £2 billion worth
of British credits
in their back pockets.
-A lot of big contracts in the air.
-What's in it for us?
Well, we haven't got
an official shopping list,
we get that Thursday lunchtime,
but Geoff's been working on it.
There's a good chance
they'll be out shopping
for a new tyre production plant.
Long-term, large-scale
cooperation projects,
that's still their main thrust.
Transferring Western technology
to the USSR
Peter, before we move in on any deals
with the Russians,
I think we should take some time
to look at the alternatives.
Most definitely.
Our taking up the Russian deal
will not exclude alternatives.
If we're talking about
a tyre production plant,
it could explode Brazil, which is
beginning to shape up very well.
-Yes, Brazil is a very strong contender.
-And Argentina.
I think we have to move fast on this.
The Japanese are all over Moscow.
Germans, the French,
and they're doing a lot of business.
It's the same in Peking.
SIR PETER: Let's take a look
at Czechoslovakia.
We have a new tyre production plant
over there just coming on stream
-That's right. Isn't it, Clive?
-That's right, Sir Peter.
It's a relatively small plant
but it's producing as many tyres
as the two factories
we've recently closed down here.
Credit to our DM computer system.
I also negotiated
and concluded the contract
to agent the Czech-owned tyres,
their exports to the West.
“What's the deal with the Czechs?
-Joint ownership,
50-50 right down the middle,
including personnel.
HARRY: It's good to know that
we're moving on this so positively,
but the Russians are not going to be
so easy as the Czechs.
No, but we have already negotiated
two projects with the Russians
and they're going well.
I can't see you getting any
co-ownership deals out of them,
the means of production
belong to the people.
It's one of the cornerstones
of socialist ideological principle.
They've got to stick to it
It's only the Russians
who are holding out.
The satellites could not
have Western-owned factories
without the tacit approval
of the Kremlin.
I think we're going to see
Western-owned factories in Russia
and soon. We're just a step
away from co-ownership.
Sooner or later, they're going
to be forced to change the constitution.
SIR PETER: Let's change tack a bit.
Let's just look at the situation
at home.
Whatever we do in the future,
we must keep our tails clean
on the home front
We've already closed down
two of our factories in England,
and there are others in the pipeline.
They're in absolute need of replacement
and there's political trouble
there, too.
Bob, do you see any life for us
here in England?
Not in the immediate future, no.
We've had a lot of trouble
with these plants
We have a strike in one today.
There's lot of militant labour.
The shop steward movement is
out of control. TUC can't control them.
And there's a lot of Trotskyite
and communist entryism.
One can only hope that legislation
will bring tighter controls.
HARRY: So closures are
going to mean trouble?
They could cause a lot of trouble, yes.
So, there's militant labour working
in technically obsolete plants.
If they're going to be viable,
there's got to be a major
reinvestment programme, right?
Yes, but in the current climate here,
that's out of the question.
ROBBIE: But closures here
are inevitable.
I think we all accept that
as a fact of life.
And we must move on other projects,
to get tyres rolling in
to compensate for the closures.
Now, this Russian setup
is a very attractive proposition.
It would enable us to continue
our strategy of obsolete
plant closures here
and we can use the credits
being made available
by the Government and the banks
to establish a new plant in Russia
without digging into our own capital.
We could then find ourselves
with the option
to put down another plant in Brazil.
How do you feel about that, Harry?
If that was possible,
I'd feel a good deal better.
SIR PETER: Good.
Personally, I think we can live in hopes
of a more stable situation
here in Britain.
The militants have to be
controlled, don't they?
However, our prime export
is no longer the product,
our prime export is our
means of production, our technology.
And wherever it goes,
we must maintain our monopoly,
South America, the Third World
and Eastern Europe.
Last year in the UK, we lost 10%,
10% of our working time in strikes.
That's very bad business
and it's got to stop.
An Eastern European future,
where we won't have any worries
about labour problems,
disputes, strikes, closures,
is, 10 say the least,
an attractive proposition.
I think we all agree
Let's move on the project.
Yes.
(ALL AGREEING)
Good.
Now, let's look carefully
at Brazil and China.
TEDDY WHITAKER:
This is a fine school.
It is a British school
And I believe there is an essential
affinity between these two facts.
We are living through one of the most
turbulent eras in the history of man.
And some of you will soon be stepping
out of this fine British school
into that troubled world.
From this you may have gathered
that [ am patriot and a nationalist.
I am a patriot and a nationalist.
Yes, and I am proud to be a nationalist.
That is because
I believe that we British
have an important strategic role
to play in the global arena.
In a world full of Arabs, communists
and unpredictable foreigners,
there is something deeply reassuring
in the fundamental decency
and loyalty among friends
that is the hallmark of being British.
But that is not what I came
here today to tell you.
I am here today to tell you
that détente,
the pursuit of peaceful coexistence
between East and West,
the pursuit of peace
between Iron Curtain countries
of the communist bloc in the East
and the freedom-loving
democracies in the \West,
I am here to tell you that this détente
is dead.
Behind the peace-loving
cloak of détente,
the Soviet Union has built
a mighty military empire.
In Russia, the voice of freedom
is dying in the gulags.
And now the spectre of the Russian bear
casts a dark shadow over our democracy
and our individual freedom.
Thank God you're here
I thought I'd have to stay for lunch.
If we go for this one,
we must know you'll stick with us.
If you want to take advantage
of our peaceful and well-ordered
industrial relations,
you'll have to join the queue.
You are not going to get this
from anywhere else, comrade,
that's why you're with me now.
Could be classified as sensitive
but nobody is going to offer you
this kind of hardware
because they simply haven't got it.
Sol don't think we should spend
a lot of time playing footsie.
What the hell is footsie?
It's what Pervitsky does
when he wastes three hours arguing
something you and I
can settle in three minutes.
Stop looking at your watch,
you schmuck. What do you think this is?
I have another appointment.
You always have another appointment.
It's more than a rumour, much more.
Nobody's suggesting
that the credits should be withdrawn.
Not yet. No, the credits are secure.
But the suggestion is that
the Government may demand
better conditions
for their guarantees of credit,
which means the banks may have to demand
a higher interest rate
from the Russians.
Demand? That was the word,
was it? Demand?
Yes, I believe it was.
Typical.
The Russians may not wear it, you know.
Is anybody else
contemplating such action?
-The Germans? French?
-No, not a murmur.
Not a murmur.
-We hardly need this, Teddy.
-On, [ know.
Who's the culprit?
I'm not sure who it's coming from,
but it's coming from inside the Cabinet.
My bet's on Pitman.
Hmm, yes, Pitman,
he's just that sort of fool.
It's the publicity, Peter.
He enjoys the publicity.
-And why doesn't somebody sit on him?
fit is him.
Oh, I'll bet he's the culprit.
Once Pitman gets hold of the wrong end
of the stick, he never lets go.
Well, everybody's being rather
sheepish about it at the moment.
But if he's provoked, he might
start shouting about it in the House.
Its the last thing
we want at the moment.
If the banks are happy,
then the Government should be happy.
He ought to know that.
-How was your do this morning?
- (CHUCKLES) Oh.
Well, the place looked different
but it smelt the same
Sweaty shirts and chalk?
Something like that.
What are we going to do about Pitman?
If the Cabinet let him loose on this,
I shall certainly withdraw my support
for the party's media campaign
Perhaps you could drop
that in the right earhole?
And I would like to speak to Turner
and Pearcy at the House this evening.
We really need a new recruit
in Pitman's department.
Ah, Geoff, well done.
-Come along, sit down.
-Thanks.
-Edward, hello.
-Hello, Geoffrey.
You're very late
but we can still serve you
-some excellent lamb cutlets.
-Nothing for me, thank you.
-Drink, sir?
Mineral water.
I'll do that.
You can leave all that stuff
Just now, Andrew. Thank you.
Teddy tells me Pitman's been
stirring it up in the Cabinet.
Bullying the banks to up
their interest rates to the Russians.
We are going to arrange to have
Turner and Pearcy sit on him.
Thank you.
How have you got on?
It looks good.
And they've got quite a shopping list.
And Kozlov is already very busy.
-Popular chap, is he?
-Flavour of the month.
What's on the list for us?
Geoff's been discussing possible
projects with Kozlov for some time.
He's coming on strong for us to lay down
a massive new tyre production plant
somewhere in the Ukraine.
There's no doubt
that they've been to Czechoslovakia
and had a damn good look
at our factory there
I'm sure they've put their noses
all around it
Our new Czech factory
just coming on stream,
-running very smoothly.
-Yes, good.
-They must have been impressed.
-Very impressed.
-I should damn well think so.
-They want theirs to be even better.
Really? What are they after?
They want the laser technology.
Lasers?
SIR PETER: How did they know
about the lasers?
I old Kozlov about
the new process. Not too much,
Just enough.
Good. They're
very ambitious, aren't they?
There was a time when
all they wanted was technology,
any old tackle would do,
but now they only want the best.
Lasers? Tell me about lasers.
We can vulcanise by laser,
a marvellous new process,
a by-product from our aerospace.
So what's the layout?
What's the proposed scheme? The project?
GEOFF: We supply and install
the technological means of production
for a factory on site in Russia
to manufacture our new
steel-whip mach 3 radial tyre.
And that would include
laser technology, yes?
And our DM computer system.
That's what they were
nosing at in Czechoslovakia.
But it's the lasers
that they're after, yes?
Well, that's what they're hot for.
It would make it
one of the most efficient
and up-to-date tyre production
factories in the world.
We'll have to think
very hard about the terms.
Oh, a buy-back would be essential.
Are they to be trusted?
How do you mean, Teddy?
I mean, can you guarantee
the quality of the tyres?
One hears the most appalling
stories of their incompetence.
We put in our own personnel,
our own management.
We demand that
That will be one guarantee of quality.
And it's our technology,
that's our biggest guarantee.
The tyre frames and moulds
will give a product mix
identical in every aspect
to tyres produced in the UK.
They will look and be
exactly the same, better,
totally acceptable on the home market.
And the cost of manufacturing them
would be considerably lower?
-Of course.
-Yes.
Well, lasers could be
on the prohibited list.
Sensitive, you know,
it could create a lot of problems.
-I have to check it out.
-Don't like that
Better not to ask any questions
and not to have any questions asked.
Well, it might be better
to clear it and be safe.
Correct me if I am wrong but
once they have got the laser technology,
couldn't they convert
it to a military purpose?
I mean, one could have difficulties
arguing around that
It's a damned long way
from a weapons system.
I think I could argue
very eloquently around it.
-Their military may not need it
-So could you, if you think about it.
Same sort of problem
as the DM computer, isn't it?
-And that was rather sticky.
-We got it through.
Oh, yes. But it was difficult.
Turner helped a lot, didn't they?
But you do have one point, Teddy.
It would be a pity to give them
something they haven't paid for.
If we don't go in there with the lasers,
you can bet your arse
somebody else will
Quite so.
I think it's good, Geoffrey.
I like it
So what's your next move?
SIR PETER: We have an official meeting
with the Russians tomorrow.
The usual form, Dr Pervitsky
pretending he can't speak English,
with letters written on a piece
of paper. The usual nonsense.
One of the Russians'
chief negotiating tactics
is to bore the other party to death.
But if we can go in there
knowing that they want the project,
then we sit tight
and hold the advantage.
Weill talk to Robbie straight away
and get him to do a complete
analysis on the whole setup.
Putting up the price is inflation.
It's an inbuilt part
of the structure, got it?
Wages have nothing to do with it.
Reduce wages by 20%,
you can still have inflation.
Wages have as much influence
on inflation
as my farts on space travel.
Assets. Monopoly.
Control, that's where the power lies.
-Oh, you can't lose.
-Only fools fight to lose, comrade.
-Leave that to the workers.
-And the unemployed.
Balls to your non-existent
conscience, brother Kozlov.
The unemployed, they're just
a sign of our mutual prosperity.
The tyre plant, it looks good.
Very good.
It's the one we should go for?
I see no point in discussing
anything else.
We can save a lot of time
and get down to business.
-We've no time to waste.
-Good
Consider the contract signed.
What's for lunch?
Roast beef.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
(CUTLERY CLATTERS)
Still no sign?
I've had him do a thorough check.
I get the lot.
Party left at 10.00
and is expected here at 12:30.
Where were they supposed to be
before they came to us?
(CHUCKLES) They wouldn't say.
Are you hungry?
-Peckish, yes.
-Me, too, I missed breakfast.
I've not eaten a thing.
I was with bloody Kozlov.
They're here. They've had their lunch.
Lunch will not be served in here today.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
On behalf of my comrades,
I would like to take this opportunity
to extend to you our honest
and sincere apologies
for not having been able
to take advantage
of your kind invitation to lunch.
We trust this will not cause ill will
between your corporation
and the Soviet Union?
It was with great regret that we were
not able to share your food with you,
particularly as I understand
your roast beef is very delicious.
Our apologies.
Thank you, Mr Vasin,
for your kind words
As you say, the roast beef
would have been delicious.
I would like, on behalf of
UK Multimotive, to welcome you here,
we are most encouraged by your presence.
As we have done good business
together in the past,
I would like to suggest, with respect,
being among friends, as it were,
that we keep
our formalities to a minimum
and that we get right down to business.
Welcome.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Dr Pervitsky,
Vice-Chairman of the State Committee
for Science and Technology.
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen, comrades,
each time I come to Britain,
I have met representatives of
business circles of your country,
and irrespective of different climates,
favourable or cool,
during my visit, I always get convinced
that British businessmen are people of
great experience and common sense.
They are realistic.
They are able, from my point of view,
to remain calm
when the world is in
a changing situation.
This creates a good basis
for fruitful discussion
and helps to reach
mutual understanding and solutions,
which would best correspond
to the interest of both sides
and to contribute to
the developing and strengthening
of our business cooperation.
There is a considerable
competition in the world market
and the Soviet Union will be
viewing all potential agreements
with a critical eye.
If you happen to be visiting Moscow now,
you will hear more French,
German, Swedish
and Japanese spoken
than English. Nevertheless,
the British government has been
successful in negotiating
an extension of credit
to the Soviet Union.
The extension of the credit
is an opportunity for both our countries
to develop further a reciprocal trade.
The signing of the contract
will depend on many factors.
The technological standard
of the equipment is high
on the list of our priorities.
The Soviet Union is rich
in raw materials,
therefore, we will be looking
to purchase under licence
manufacturing processes
in several priority areas.
Food processing, the chemical industry,
machine tools and
engineering, aeronautics.
Through negotiations with Mr Vasin,
my comrade from
the Ministry of Foreign Trade,
we are seeking protocol agreements
for the purchase of a large variety
of consumer goods.
The Soviet Union has
a noble tradition in the sciences.
Research for the furtherance of science
and the good of mankind
is one of the highest ideals
of the people of the Soviet Union.
To this great end,
we are looking to sign
cooperation agreements
for research and development
in the following.
Health, biomedical and clinical studies,
environmental protection,
air pollution, earthquake prediction...
What the hell is going on?
What prompted the Vice-Chairman
for the State Committee
of Science and Technology
to deliver 35 minutes
of non-technological verbal crap?
The guy's a pompous arsehole.
-Remember that.
I will,
-Remember who he is.
-He's not likely to let me forget.
Don't fall out with him, he is your key.
-He's a very powerful man.
-And he knows it.
And what's all this shit about
the British Government
has been fortunate to negotiate
credit terms with the USSR?
It's us lending you,
not the other way around.
Seven and one quarter percent!
Do you know what interest
I have to pay on a loan?
I cannot urinate if you're
banging me on the shoulder.
If I default on a debt,
the bank cuts my balls up for gravy.
If Russia defaults,
they'll lend them another billion bucks.
Russia does not default on its debts.
All right,
I'm hungry, I need lunch.
I've not eaten all day
Where the hell have you been?
We were offered lunch
at a previous appointment.
We could not refuse.
(AMERICAN ACCENT) Corn on the cob,
Chicken Maryland,
raspberry ripple, I'll bet my ass?
You'd have done better here.
Well, no surprises here,
very much in line with what we expected.
That man Pervitsky
is an appalling pain in the neck,
Just like my neighbours in Hampshire.
He's already delivered
that speech twice today,
probably going
for his hat trick right now.
I'm going to have an early drink on an
empty stomach. Anyone care to join me?
-No, thanks.
-Thanks.
Do we have to put up with him?
GEOFF: As far as we're concerned,
he is the State Committee
for Science and Technology.
He also ranks rather highly
in the KGB-that-as-it-may.
Once we get past the State Committee
for Science and Technology of Vasin,
our possibilities open up. Ministries,
committees, institutes, research bodies.
Once we've made the deal with Pervitsky,
we're free to negotiate with
everybody else. He is our ticket.
I can see what Harry Kettner
was driving at
Yes, he's a bastard.
But we can get around Dr Pervitsky.
You mustn't let him get to you, Geoff.
I can see your ears going red
One of his levers is to hook you into
research and development agreements.
That way they can take your technology
apart, pinch it, copy it...
-Like the Japanese.
-...and leave you with no deal.
That's something we can tum
to our advantage, Geoffrey,
we're not seeing the Russians
again till a week on Friday.
But that means we lose 10 days.
I made it 10. They wanted only six.
We're not going to lose any of
the good work you've done with Kozlov.
We're still ahead.
Our lot in North America
are pushing hard in Brazil.
I'd like to see their results and
Kettner has got a lot going in China.
We need the time.
Robbie, get someone
to do a total analysis
on all our other Eastern Bloc deals,
shove it through the computer model.
We have the advantage
of knowing what they want.
Damn "em. Let 'em wait!
Okay.
Computers and lasers?
SIR PETER: Yes.
Robbie's a bit worried.
Lasers are sensitive technology.
(SIGHS) We know that
The Russians could easily exploit them
for military purposes.
Also, our aerospace division has a
laser weapons development programme
with the Ministry of Defence.
And there are people who may not like it
if we export this technology to Russia.
We will have to get round them.
Bob?
I think we should look
at the situation very carefully.
That's what I just said, Bob.
If we are going to transfer the stuff,
we need a watertight procedure.
Bob, could you do an exercise
and present us with some possibilities?
Is it on the prohibited list?
There's a lot of pressure
on this side of the Atlantic,
particularly from the French
and the Germans,
to remove as many items
on the prohibited list as possible.
I think we could rely on them
for support.
Sowe don't know it's
on the list at the present time?
If it is on the fist,
I think we can create
enough pressure to have it removed.
Don't let's stir sleeping dogs
or we could find ourselves with
some very sticky balls in the air.
The Americans would
almost certainly move against us.
Probably pick up the deal
at the bathroom door.
Once we have made the basic
technology available to them,
there's no way we can stop them
converting the lasers
to a military purpose.
The military may not need it.
They do have a general
sitting at the negotiation table.
Always have a general
sitting at the negotiating table.
It's a situation full of serious
implications for the company.
We must proceed with caution
over the next 10 days.
We have a handle on this technology
and we shouldn't lose it
-That's one of the points I'm making.
-Precisely.
I think we should take some soundings
from our people inside
the Government, and soon.
But generally, keep a very
low profile in this area.
Whitaker is being
very constipated about this.
We'll have to stir him up.
The market potential is enormous.
If we don't do it, our competitors will.
The laser technologies situation is
very sticky. You know that, don't you?
There are people in the Government
who can push us into the deep end.
If it comes to that, Teddy,
let us hope that it doesn't,
if anybody moves against us,
you will have to persuade them that
it most definitely will not be
in their or the party's interests.
And it doesn't matter a damn
which party they're talking about.
-(KNOCK ON DOOR)
-BARBARA: You must stop now.
Sorry, Teddy.
Keep in touch.
-Harry.
Hello, Peter.
-Good of you to break the journey.
-My pleasure.
-Where are you heading?
-Geneva
Peter...
I had an intuition
I didn't want to put on the line.
It's important.
And the intelligence is
more than reliable.
Tell me.
We talked about this
in our last meeting.
But the situation is moving
so fast, I had to see you.
What's on?
It concerns the Aerospace Division,
most particularly,
the laser weapon technology.
Yes?
My intelligence is
that the competition in the States
is moving fast
And I really do mean fast.
It's the California Gold Rush.
They're pouring money
into their laser weapon research.
And at their present rate
of development,
they could beat us into the market.
Now, I know it presents
problems for you here
but it's my firm conviction, Peter,
that the company's aerospace programme,
and by that I really mean
the laser programme,
must take the highest priority
over all other investments.
Yes.
-Détente was oversold.
-It's cooler now.
There's a lot of smart money
pouring into armaments.
The situation is very positive.
If our aerospace people could bring
the laser weapon programme
cut ahead of the competition,
it will open up the entire
military market for us.
Hmm. It's there for the taking.
The dividends would be staggering.
But they're onto this
in the States in a big way,
they're quietly injecting
massive amounts of capital
into their research
and development programmes,
upping their budgets by
two and three hundred per cent.
And here are some of the details
that I've had passed along to me.
A lot of this has come in
in just the last few days.
I'm sure it will be
useful for your guys.
Appreciate your attention
on this matter, Harry
Our research programme is moving
but it's not moving fast enough.
We've had the edge on all these fellows
in California. We may still have it.
But to get the lasers onto the market,
we need a massive boost of funds,
which neither we nor the
British Government can afford.
They're not going to put
any more money into our kitty
and we could lose the market,
as you say.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
-Mr Kettner must leave now.
-Thank you, Barbara.
I'd appreciate it, Harry, if you'd keep
your ear to the ground
-on this and other matters.
-Sure
I'll be back through here
in 10 or 12 days.
Ask Robbie to come in.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
I think we have covered that
this morning.
SIR PETER: I agree.
I think this morning's session
was extremely constructive
We've gained a lot of ground
and in my mind, there is no doubt
the tyre production plant
should be our prime target.
I think we're all agreed on that.
I think so.
It is now 3:30 precisely.
As we've gained a lot of ground,
perhaps this is a good time 10 stop.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
I think we should look
at the arrangements once again
and then go home.
Yes, fine, by all means. Perhaps it
will be useful to recap the headlines.
Can you go over it for us, Clive?
Okay, let's do that.
I'm sorry, I am not able
to understand that,
what it means 10 recap the headlines?
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Are we agreed?
Is that what we're going to do?
-Yes. Let's get on with it, Clive.
-Okay, let's go, let's go.
CLIVE: The product, gentlemen, is our
new steel-whip mach 3 radial tyre.
You've already got our research
and development statistics
and I think you will agree on
the first-class quality of the product.
Obviously, we've not yet had
the opportunity
to map out a production schedule,
but I would anticipate
a three-year run-up period,
from the signing of the contracts
to the factory coming on-stream
I think that's reasonable.
We could start preliminaries for
full scale planning almost immediately.
To carve the whole thing up
into its basic units,
we will be responsible for the provision
of all the hardware
and you will be responsible
for the provision of a proper site,
that is for the factory buildings,
the infrastructure services,
water, gas, electricity
and transport facilities.
We will provide the technological
means of production,
including the machine tools,
which we will transfer
to your factory site in Russia,
install and bring the plant
to full operational service.
I think that's as far as we've got.
How long before you can provide
a more detailed breakdown, Clive?
-In Russian, two days.
-That's fine, no problems.
SIR PETER: Excellent.
Now, where are you contemplating
siting the factory?
VASIN: It will be sited
in a modem industrial complex.
Yes, good.
We haven't yet mentioned manpower.
No, we haven't, have we?
As the subject has been raised,
I think the most sensible proposal
would be to follow the basic terms
of our last agreement.
We provide the skilled manpower
to train your chaps
but unlike our past arrangements,
we would require the permanent
posting on site in Russia,
of UKM personnel in all key positions.
Not necessary, not possible.
Once our people have
mastered the techniques,
we don't need
your personnel on our site.
That would be unnecessary expense.
We could go into that in detail
at our next meeting.
What we ought to be discussing here
is a joint venture,
such as we have in Czechoslovakia.
VASIN: What do you mean
exactly by joint venture?
I mean our company should maintain
co-ownership of the means of production.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Nyet!
I think we would have to consult
and take advice on that one,
however, we are willing to consider
a cooperation agreement.
Yes, I'm sure you are.
We would also offer you
buyback facilities.
Co-production could only become
possible on a minimum basis of 50-50.
No, no, no. I understand your banks
may demand higher interest rate.
50-50 is out.
Once you have technical details,
I think you will begin to appreciate
the sophistication of this plant.
In Russia, we have good
industrial relations. No strikes.
You appreciate good industrial
relations, I know.
We are willing to produce in Russia
tyres for you, good tyres,
and we will not complain with this,
we who are accused of damping.
That is out of the question.
VASIN: But you will make
good profits, you know.
You no longer need all your factories
here, you can close them down
If we are forced to make closures here,
we shall have to compensate
for these closures,
which means a 50-50 deal
becomes of decisive importance.
And I would stress
that is our minimum requirement,
depending on other factors
in the negotiation.
Sir Peter, my friend,
I appreciate what you are saying.
But this is something we cannot
possibly agree to at this time.
We have to check this one out.
But at this time, I think we can agree
in principle to a cooperation agreement.
And to offer you facilities
to buy back a percentage
of the tyres produced.
We would also look to make an agreement
whereby you will act
as our distribution agent
for the tyres we export to the West.
We will be willing to negotiate on that
at our next meeting, all right?
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
Comrade Dr Pervitsky wishes
to raise the question
of research and development.
At our last meeting you proposed that
we should sign a formal agreement
for research and development
into this project.
I would like to confirm this
before we go further.
Sorry, could I just clarify?
Are you referring to our last meeting?
Is that correct?
That is correct.
Dr Pervitsky, I think that what
we're discussing here is technology
that has already been
researched and developed.
Our aim is to go into
production without delay.
With regard to this project,
such an agreement is quite impossible.
It will be difficult for the State
Committee for Science and Technology
to negotiate any kind of an agreement
unless it includes
research and development.
SIR PETER: Perhaps we have
a language barrier difficulty here.
I believe that what I actually said
was, it'll be in the minutes,
"I express the company's interest
in your proposals
"for general research and development."
Perhaps I did not make myself clear.
I think it was very clear.
Perhaps you should check in the minutes.
In the Soviet Union, our science
is a collective achievement.
It belongs to the people.
It is our collective duty
in the interest of peace and détente
between East and West, that we shall
strengthen the bond between us
through the exploration
of science and technology.
I couldn't agree more.
The USSR has the finest tradition
in pure science,
while here in the West, we lead
the world in the science of technology.
A marriage of these two
prestigious forces
will be of substantial benefit
to us all.
But at this time,
to cause any delay in exploiting
this particular means of production
would cost us the delicate lead
we have achieved in the world market.
I'm sure you will appreciate this.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Comrade Dr Pervitsky wishes to say
it will not be possible for the USSR
to proceed with further discussions
with your company
unless you concede total,
total access to research
and development
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
-Why do you always turn on the taps?
-Christ knows
-You never know who's listening in.
-We're in your headquarters.
This is your building.
Must we always meet in the toilet?
The only place you can have
a straight discussion.
-Pervitsky is an arsehole.
-You said that last time.
Wait until they demand joint ownership,
then he's gonna bust his piles!
He won't get it. A cooperation deal.
Be satisfied. Share the spoils.
Why not joint-ownership?
And don't give me any of that crap
about capitalist ownership contradicting
the first principle of socialism.
It does, but that is not the reason.
Look, we are not offering
first-generation rubbish. It's our best.
Now, you know, as well as I do
that our technology, any technology,
it's mobile, it's constantly changing.
In another three or four years' time,
there'll be better stuff pushing
its way in. We have to go on it now!
I agree. That's why we must have
research and development.
Screw the research!
We have to capitalise on it now,
otherwise we lose out.
We're offering you the best.
What more do you want?
Look, does Pervitsky want a deal?
I mean, what is he trying to do?
Why don't you ask Sir Peter?
'What?
-Look, comrade, there is no conflict.
Dr Pervitsky wants a bigger deal.
He wants total access
to research and development.
Ask Sir Peter.
Shit
Shit!
How much do you know
about our aerospace?
Only what you told me.
- I said nothing about lasers.
-Neither did I.
Don't be so paranoid.
We know that your industrial technology
is highly sophisticated.
But why stop there?
If your aerospace people are interested,
tell them to get in touch.
Don't forget to turn off the taps.
Handbags to hand grenades.
-Millions to billions.
-Yes.
Kettner tells me we could lose
our aerospace sales to the US.
The whole of our laser project
with its nose in the dirt
The Americans are going forward
by leaps and bounds.
I've been chewing on that
for the past few days
Old Pervitsky's very good, isn't he?
Puts up a good show.
I wish we could hire him. (LAUGHS)
It's a very attractive proposition,
isn't it?
What do you think?
If we don't, somebody else will.
Uncharted waters,
we'll have to navigate very carefully.
It's a first for us.
Others have done it.
I'm sure we'll have no problem.
There'll be acres of problems
but we can handle it
It makes a tyre factory
into very small beer, doesn't it?
What about Whitehall?
That's what Teddy's for.
And all the rest of them. (LAUGHS)
Let's get Robbie into this.
Is Whitaker secure?
We do have others, but he knows about
the deal. I think he can handle it
Find out where Kozlov will be
over the weekend
Let Pervitsky know
we're going to think seriously
about research and development.
But the plant must
go ahead without delay.
I think he'll agree.
I'll talk to Boris.
Barbara, get Robbie, will you?
-Oh, like that one.
-Do you?
-Put it in myself personally.
-Really?
SIR PETER: Yeah. Pretty, isn't it?
KOZLOV: Beautiful. Beautiful.
KOZLOV: Does it have a name?
Probably.
Oh, so much lawn!
You must have to spend
a lot of time in the garden.
Oh, we have a couple of chaps
around to give us a hand, you know.
It's in good shape.
Must be a full-time job.
You can't get too fussy about lawns,
otherwise one spends one's life
worrying about brown patches and so on.
TEDDY: Good afternoon!
Teddy, hello!
Leave you chaps. See you later.
Hello, Teddy.
Expected you to lunch. What kept you?
I just thought of something
extremely funny.
Really?
I just had lunch with Foster
in the Treasury
God help you.
You will probably need a stomach pump.
Exactly. He's been collecting
third-rate restaurants for years.
Let's go to the pool. It's quiet there.
Anyway, I had to have lunch with him.
Hello, good afternoon. Nice to see you.
God knows who they are.
Pervitsky and the rest of them,
do they know you're here?
Why should they not know?
It was a collective decision
that I should come here.
All those in favour, say 'aye'.
We are handling
a lot of negotiations right now.
We are interested to make a contract.
We have lost too much time.
I just want to know
who I'm dealing with, that's all.
-How far are you authorised to go?
-What have you got to offer?
We're in rather difficult water
with our aerospace project, Teddy.
It could flounder at the last minute
through lack of support.
You mean the Ministry of Defence?
Them and us. Although they've been
bloody stingy all the way through,
not to mention short-sighted.
You did your best.
But it's not just a matter of funds.
It's also a question of facilities.
We've pushed millions
into our research and development
and we need millions more before we can
begin to capitalise in the arms market.
It's an appalling dilemma, Teddy.
The armaments industry is
on the threshold
of one of its most remarkable
breakthroughs in history.
In business terms, that means a bonanza.
The US Government research subsidy, all
to private firms, mark you, like ours,
makes the British contribution to UKM
look like a handout of the dole.
What can we do?
The American-based companies
sitting in that Californian sun
are going to scoop the world market
from under our very noses.
WHITAKER: And how does
this affect your Russian project?
SIR PETER: They know
we're using laser beams in industry
and I'm sure they're very impressed by
what we're offering them in that area,
they are doing research
into beam technology
and they know that
we're doing the same.
It's rather obvious
that they want to compare notes.
We must have some kind
of limitations agreement.
Otherwise, you'd just rip off
our technology.
We can't just sign a research
and development agreement
and hope for the best.
We must have some kind
of guarantee of secrecy.
You will sign a research agreement
with the State Committee
for Science and Technology, right?
Maybe.
And then you will sign
a manufacturing agreement
with the appropriate
trade organisation, right?
-Let us hope so.
-Then, that is your contract.
-That's your guarantee.
-It's not enough.
We're not just talking about
car tyres, you know.
Stones, arrows, bullets, cannon balls,
bombs, missiles, beams,
particle beams, laser beams,
beam technology.
That's the great leap forward
that's revolutionising
all our concept of warfare.
That's a bonanza.
Our share in this would be
a laser cannon of satellite potential,
which means a laser could be mounted
on a satellite and launched into space,
where it can knock out all the missiles
the enemy cares to put up.
The component could also be used
in planes, tanks, guns, and so on.
The US hate us
because we're ahead on this one.
We've got the edge.
But at your current rate of development,
your lack of funds and so on,
they're going to get there before you?
And we'll lose millions.
That's why we need the Russians.
The Russians?
Yes, they can't make a good
refrigerator to save their backsides,
but they do have wonderful
facilities for military research.
Mines, personnel,
laboratories, everything.
That's where they really
spend their money.
And they have satellite lifting.
They've got hardware in space
that we can use for testing and so on.
I see.
And you certainly
won't get that in the UK.
SIR PETER: Impossible!
We've got bugger all up there.
But if we can put our heads together
with the Russians,
there's no doubt we'll come out on top
and scoop the world market
I really can't turn down the offer.
No, of course you can't.
You don't like it, Teddy. Do you?
-It's a matter of billions, yes?
-Yes.
We've not done anything
like this before.
But I believe there are precedents.
What about the press?
Oh, once you've trained a dog to bark,
you don't expect it suddenly
to start squawking like a parrot.
No! (CHUCKLES)
Whitehall. That's where
we'll need our diplomacy,
no embarrassing questions.
I want you to look after it, Teddy.
We can make a deal with one of your
piddling little
governmental trade departments,
keep it in the family, secrets, right?
-Right.
But a monumental state,
USSR Incorporated,
can come along and say,
"Screw you and your secrets,
"we can do what the hell we want
with them."
And set up war factories designed
in our patents, our technology,
and sell those products all over
the world. Where's our cut?
"Up you!" says the state,
and stays up you
Till your factories go out-of-date
and you're back wanting
more technology. No go.
KOSLOV.
You're not in a good humour today.
One state department
cannot sign an agreement
which guarantees secrecy from the state,
that's ridiculous.
What happens to the sovereignty
of the state?
BLAKE: Screw the state.
KOSLOV: And in my state,
the means of production belong
to the people. The people are the state.
The technology belongs to them.
BLAKE:
Not my technology, brother.
I'm a filthy capitalist, remember?
Look, why make deals with the West?
Why make deals with a capitalist system?
Well, we can't avoid having
trade relations with the West.
-You're damn right.
-But whatever we do
is done in the interests of socialism.
We are not buying capitalism.
Whatever it is, once it is in the USSR,
it belongs to the Soviet State
-That's what I'm saying.
-Our trade relations with the West
in no way impinge on the basic
principles of communism in the USSR.
There is no capitalism
in the Soviet Union.
What is the man saying?
What about the manufacturing process?
Would the whole laser cannon
be put together in Russia?
Good Lord, no.
Once we've perfected the component,
it would be assembled here
at our UK aerospace division,
which means we can honour our contract
with the Ministry of Defence.
Jobs for all
There's no question of selling
the Soviet Union an armament system.
Don't look at it like that.
All we will be doing in Russia
is research and development.
-That's the way to think about it.
-Of course.
Once we've negotiated the contracts,
we could manage the whole transaction
through the Balochistan connection.
-What? Where's Balochistan?
-Exactly.
Just an easy reference for doing
business through a subsidiary
of which nobody has ever heard.
Common enough practice.
We'll do the whole thing through one
of our subsidiaries in a country
where these embargos and questions
of national interest no longer apply.
Egypt, Turkey, Africa,
somewhere like that
You'll stay to dinner, Teddy?
Oh, yes, of course.
There are some kinds
of technology we just don't sell.
It's ours. If you want it,
you've got to take us with it.
Who is that over there?
Geoffrey Blake'
-No, no, no, who is that with him?
Mr Kozlov,
Russian Trade Delegation chap.
Come over and say hello.
I have not got the power to change
the constitution of the Soviet Union.
-You know that.
-Maybe not.
But you can carry the word
to the right ears, as you always do.
That's why they trust you so much.
SIR PETER: Geoffrey!
Here, play that at your next
fundraising party for orphans in exile.
Edward.
Mr Kozlov, Russian Trade Delegation,
lives in Highgate.
Charming spot, Highgate.
Edward Whitaker
He's an MP. Aren't you, Teddy?
How's it all going?
Had time for your chat, I hope?
Rather busy here today.
-Yes, we've talked our way through it.
-Good
WOMAN: Tea!
Tea. Let's go and find a cup.
Sir Peter, you must understand we will
try 10 give you some kind of guarantee
to allow you control of your technology.
That's the official word
I can give in confidence to you.
It is both welcome
and necessary, Mr Kozlov.
You see, you're not the only company
making this kind of demand.
We are working on it but it takes time.
Understand that, please.
Okay. Understood.
The Russians picked up on
Pitman's move to up the interest rate.
-That's impossible.
-I'm telling you. They picked up on it.
It may cost us a few points.
But Pitman's dropped,
I already told Peter.
He was thrown cut of the Cabinet meeting
last Wednesday.
Took too long.
You have to accept
that in government circles,
things sometimes take longer
than you expect.
No, I don't.
I don't have to accept that at all.
And if you should ever hope
to aspire above the rank
of political dogsbody,
you should also stop accepting it.
-We could have lost the whole deal.
-But you haven't
We could have lost it.
But you haven't lost it, Geoffrey,
and the credits are secure.
Nothing, absolutely nothing
must be allowed 10 interfere
with the flow of those credits,
and that includes Pitman
and the rest of them.
I think you've made that point.
Any mention of laser technology
inside Whitehall
must be buried without trace.
Nothing even mildly unfavourable
must be allowed to reach the surface.
It is done, Geoffrey.
Sir Peter wanted me to make that
perfectly clear
You've done that. Now drop it
Oh, yes.
Word is that in another
six months' time,
there's going to be mayhem in
another little comer of Southeast Asia.
If you want to make some smart money,
I think I can put your finger
on some stock
that's going to treble in a short time.
If you're interested, let me know.
You're devoid of conscience, aren't you?
Devoid of what?
You have no loyalty.
Except to your wealth.
And to your over-inflated sense
of self-importance.
That is only partially true.
My loyalties are to myself
and to the company.
Where else would you have me place
my loyalties, with kings and queens?
With governments?
The company cut lives them all.
Your nationalism and your patriotism
mean nothing to me.
Perhaps you may not have noticed,
but there's a deal of difference
between car tyres and laser weapons.
You bet your arse I have noticed.
You may not be aware of it
or wish to acknowledge it,
but there is such a thing
as the national interest,
You are selling armaments to Russia.
Now, Edward, that is not the way
to look at it. You know that
You are dealing against
the national interest, that's...
Don't you interrupt me,
that is my opinion
I cannot be a party to this.
I cannot help you.
I'm not going to obstruct you
but in the matter of the laser weapons,
I will not help you.
We've enough problems funding
our own defence budget,
without chipping in to help out Russia.
Afraid I can't let you do that, Edward.
That is my decision, not yours.
Even a neutral stance
would be obstructive to us.
I have an investment to protect.
The workers here, the British workers,
they don't appreciate what they've got.
I'm sure you agree with that.
That is why
we are taking it away from them.
People must work for us on our terms,
otherwise, they won't work at all.
Can't seem to get that
into their thick skulls, can they?
We've been telling them for years.
They're going to have to come in line.
They are going to have to settle
for exactly what we give them
and no more.
Those are our terms.
I feel deeply compromised
in this matter.
I cannot help you.
What we have in Russia, all over the
Eastern Bloc, is an employer's dream.
Russian workers keep their traps shut
and get on with the job.
If they strike, they get knocked
on the skull and locked up as criminals.
Now, that's what I call
a solid investment.
Back it, put your money on it.
Russia is an important investment
from which the company reaps
massive returns
by courtesy of the state.
And we have a clear-cut commitment
to support and maintain that investment
to maintain the communist status quo.
You have to realise that.
The corporation is a defender
of the state with no interest
in the freedom of the individual,
the gulags are an investment
to be maintained and protected.
So you see, Edward, you really
can't back out at this time, can you?
I have a creeping feeling in my gut,
especially when I'm in your presence,
that you are feeding the beast
that will devour us all.
You're gun-running.
You're dealing with the enemy.
There's no way round it,
that is what they are, the enemy.
Don't you forget that.
I want you to go on saying that,
Edward, loud and clear.
"Russia is the enemy,
the beast that will devour us all."
I'm afraid your sarcasm's lost on me.
Oh, come on, Teddy.
How can you have an arms industry
without an enemy?
You've got to have an enemy.
You can't demand that a nation make
economic sacrifices on the one hand
and then convince them
that it's in their interest
to spend billions of pounds
of their money on nuclear armaments,
because somebody's waving a stick
at them in Chad or Oogabooga.
You've got to have an enemy.
Thank God for Russia.
She's the greatest enemy we ever had.
Let's not forget that.
You're a thug.
I won't say a fascist
because it sounds like an excuse.
You trade on decency!
You're a thug.
Understand,
Whitaker,
that life on this planet
is not going to get any better,
except for the few.
Now, I recognised that
as a reality long ago.
And if governments and politicians
want to stay in power,
they are going to have to go
with those who hold the power.
With us.
They are going to have
to join our organisations,
our clubs, our councils,
our commissions,
otherwise, they may as well forget it
and join the Sally Army.
Or start digging their pit.
Now, we've got a lot of work to tie up
over the next few days
and I want you to ring me
on Monday morning,
just to let me know
that everything's fine at your end.
(JINGLE PLAYS)
NARRATOR: UKM Aerospace leads the world.
Bulletin.
From UKM defence research laboratories,
a new laser cannon, exploiting satellite
potential on anti-ICBM missions.
Scanning. High-resolution
remote sensing array,
plus laser lock-on and tracking device.
Target survey, constant.
In this conceptual
space battle scenario,
a geo-stationary satellite
houses the UKM laser cannon,
and a surveillance system
capable of scanning over an area
of 22,400,000 square kilometres.
The launching of hostile ICBMs
from deep within enemy territory
is detected by the high-resolution
remote sensing array.
Defensive counteraction is swift
The laser lock-on
and tracking device is accurate
over an Earth satellite
distance of 36,600 kilometres.
Seconds after leaving
their launch pad in Russia,
the Soviet missiles are knocked out
by the high-energy
deuterium fluoride laser cannon.
For reasons of security,
precise firing potential data
is classified at this time,
but we can reveal that the potential
is in excess of 50, 5-0, firings.
Details from UKM.
Our technology is your security.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Dr Pervitsky feels it would be better
if he could read his statement to you.
That way, he could be certain
that his poor command
of the English language
will not cause any misunderstanding.
By all means, Dr Pervitsky.
Sir Peter, I have understood
your reluctance in the past
to provide up-to-date technology
without safeguards over your company's
proprietary and commercial rights.
Therefore, as Vice-Chairman
for the State Committee
for Science and Technology,
I appreciate the highly sophisticated
nature of technology
your company is now making available
to the Soviet Union
Officially, it is not possible
for the Soviet Union
to recognise joint ventures
entailing equity ownership
by your company in the Soviet Union.
But I am here to assure you
that the Soviet Union is
sympathetic to your situation
and, in the interest
of further trade between us,
we are working towards giving you the
terms and conditions that you require.
We therefore unofficially concede
proprietary and corporate rights
to your company,
concerning both your technology
and the research and
the development programme.
The presence of your company,
including personnel,
will be welcome in Russia.
Thank you, Dr Pervitsky.
Let's go through, shall we?
(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)
Gentlemen, if you'd first care to sign
the cooperation agreement?
And this is the protocol agreement
for general research and development.
Dr Pervitsky, ladies and gentlemen,
friends from the Soviet Union,
I consider the signing
of these agreements
to be something of a triumph
for both UKM, our company,
and those of us in industry
who believe in the importance
of trade between our two countries
and Eastern Europe as a whole.
The agreements we have signed today
will help to strengthen the bond
of peaceful coexistence
between our two countries.
They also mean more employment
for our workers at home.
And I would like to extend to you
the gratitude of the British workers
and trade unionists,
whose skilled labour will be employed
to manufacture
the technological equipment
we are proud to export
to the Soviet Union.
Einstein, the scientist, was once asked,
"Who will win World War III?"
Einstein replied that he did not know,
but he could state with certainty
there would be no World War IV.
With this in view,
we look to the future with optimism,
certain in the knowledge
that trade will always find a way
of maintaining peace between nations,
even in the coldest political climate
and times of disagreement and strife.
Thank you.
(ALL APPLAUDING)
(INAUDIBLE)
WOMAN: Come on. Come on.
Hi, Johnny.
Come on!
Fetch!
-Good morning, Albert
-Good morning, Sir Peter.
(DOG BARKING)
(INAUDIBLE)
(BIG BEN CHIMING)
-Good morning, Sir Peter.
-Good morning, Reginald.
-Anything to take I, sir?
-No, just me.
Sir.
Thank you.
-There's a fire down by the river.
-Yes, sir.
-Plenty of water. Soon put it out.
-Yes, sir.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
-(KNOCK AT DOOR)
-Come in.
-Good morning, Phyllis, do come in.
-Good morning, sir.
(CONTINUES RUSSIAN CONVERSATION)
-Do svidanya.
-Do svidanya.
And on Tuesday, you'll have to
leave early for Cambridge,
for the Anglo-German Conference.
I may chuck that out,
depending what's on at the Treasury.
If 1 go, I'd like to go on the train,
I prefer it.
You've got several meetings
here on Wednesday,
-mainly constituency business.
-Mmm-hmm.
Oh, looks a bit full.
Ah... Ah...
Mmm. Oh, I don't want to see him.
On Thursday, you're due to give
the annual freedom of speech lecture
-at your old school.
-Oh
-Followed by lunch with the boys.
-Do I have to stay for lunch?
-Well, it's tradition.
-God help me.
Well, you'd better book me a haircut,
I feel as if it's all over my shoulders.
No, it's already quite full
and I'd like to keep
the rest of this time clear.
I may have to go to Geneva on Wednesday,
$0 be prepared to cancel that
-And the Russians said yes to Thursday?
-Yes, they have.
-For lunch?
-Yes
Good.
Something traditional,
I think, don't you?
-Roast beef and Yorkshire pud perhaps.
-Right
Thank you.
Morning.
-Morning.
SIR PETER: Morning, Robbie.
BARBARA: Morning, Mr Blake.
BLAKE: Morning.
-I tell Sir Peter you're here.
-Thank you very much
-Would you like some coffee?
-No, thanks.
SIR PETER: How was Moscow?
You didn't say much on Friday.
-Impressive. I put through a report.
-Good.
I don't think we should do
a thing about it, sit on it.
-I agree
-They're paying the interest.
Had to fight my way
through the Japanese.
-What else?
-Kozlov. Working hard on our behalf.
Good.
-Ready, Robbie?
-Ready.
-Ready, Barbara?
-Yes, Sir Peter.
All ready, Mr Waters?
Everything is clean, Miss Knight.
Thank you.
Did you know, incidentally,
the Chinese are doing
great things with earthquakes?
They're a big problem for the Chinese.
They haven't got
adequate warning systems.
They need to know
when to get their Chinese bums
out of their Chinese skyscrapers
before the whole damn chute comes
crashing down on their Chinese heads.
-It's a problem.
-I say.
They've got over 10,000 people
working on the project,
but they lack technology.
-We should move on it.
-I think so.
Perhaps you could raise it this morning?
Does sound like
a good one for Kenneth, hmm?
Mr Scott is not here.
He has something at the Treasury.
And Mr Ferguson is at the Anglo-Soviet
Trade Council Headquarters.
Good. Now, opening blurb.
As you all know,
we've been contemplating
some major modifications
in our global strategy
and we face some vital decisions
on our new investment priorities.
We've just seen the closure
of two of our factories here
and one in Eisenbart, they had to go
and others will follow
We've got some important
negotiations in the pipeline
and I wanted to grab
the opportunity of a short confab
with the benefit of Harry's presence
before he darts back to America,
so let's get to it.
Now, we have the Russians
coming to lunch next Thursday.
They're over here in coachloads,
offering us a chance to get in on
the next five-year plan. Robbie?
Well, the British Government's
very keen to get in on the act.
They are to provide financial backing
in the form of credit to the Russians
Yes, there was a big do
to herald the whole thing.
A lot of top boffos from the Treasury,
the PM,
the Governor of the Bank of England.
And the Russians
imported an impressive display,
all KGB-that-as-it-may,
every man jack of them.
(LAUGHING)
Sorry, do go on, Robbie,
the credits.
Yes, Peter.
So the Russians are now
out shopping with £2 billion worth
of British credits
in their back pockets.
-A lot of big contracts in the air.
-What's in it for us?
Well, we haven't got
an official shopping list,
we get that Thursday lunchtime,
but Geoff's been working on it.
There's a good chance
they'll be out shopping
for a new tyre production plant.
Long-term, large-scale
cooperation projects,
that's still their main thrust.
Transferring Western technology
to the USSR
Peter, before we move in on any deals
with the Russians,
I think we should take some time
to look at the alternatives.
Most definitely.
Our taking up the Russian deal
will not exclude alternatives.
If we're talking about
a tyre production plant,
it could explode Brazil, which is
beginning to shape up very well.
-Yes, Brazil is a very strong contender.
-And Argentina.
I think we have to move fast on this.
The Japanese are all over Moscow.
Germans, the French,
and they're doing a lot of business.
It's the same in Peking.
SIR PETER: Let's take a look
at Czechoslovakia.
We have a new tyre production plant
over there just coming on stream
-That's right. Isn't it, Clive?
-That's right, Sir Peter.
It's a relatively small plant
but it's producing as many tyres
as the two factories
we've recently closed down here.
Credit to our DM computer system.
I also negotiated
and concluded the contract
to agent the Czech-owned tyres,
their exports to the West.
“What's the deal with the Czechs?
-Joint ownership,
50-50 right down the middle,
including personnel.
HARRY: It's good to know that
we're moving on this so positively,
but the Russians are not going to be
so easy as the Czechs.
No, but we have already negotiated
two projects with the Russians
and they're going well.
I can't see you getting any
co-ownership deals out of them,
the means of production
belong to the people.
It's one of the cornerstones
of socialist ideological principle.
They've got to stick to it
It's only the Russians
who are holding out.
The satellites could not
have Western-owned factories
without the tacit approval
of the Kremlin.
I think we're going to see
Western-owned factories in Russia
and soon. We're just a step
away from co-ownership.
Sooner or later, they're going
to be forced to change the constitution.
SIR PETER: Let's change tack a bit.
Let's just look at the situation
at home.
Whatever we do in the future,
we must keep our tails clean
on the home front
We've already closed down
two of our factories in England,
and there are others in the pipeline.
They're in absolute need of replacement
and there's political trouble
there, too.
Bob, do you see any life for us
here in England?
Not in the immediate future, no.
We've had a lot of trouble
with these plants
We have a strike in one today.
There's lot of militant labour.
The shop steward movement is
out of control. TUC can't control them.
And there's a lot of Trotskyite
and communist entryism.
One can only hope that legislation
will bring tighter controls.
HARRY: So closures are
going to mean trouble?
They could cause a lot of trouble, yes.
So, there's militant labour working
in technically obsolete plants.
If they're going to be viable,
there's got to be a major
reinvestment programme, right?
Yes, but in the current climate here,
that's out of the question.
ROBBIE: But closures here
are inevitable.
I think we all accept that
as a fact of life.
And we must move on other projects,
to get tyres rolling in
to compensate for the closures.
Now, this Russian setup
is a very attractive proposition.
It would enable us to continue
our strategy of obsolete
plant closures here
and we can use the credits
being made available
by the Government and the banks
to establish a new plant in Russia
without digging into our own capital.
We could then find ourselves
with the option
to put down another plant in Brazil.
How do you feel about that, Harry?
If that was possible,
I'd feel a good deal better.
SIR PETER: Good.
Personally, I think we can live in hopes
of a more stable situation
here in Britain.
The militants have to be
controlled, don't they?
However, our prime export
is no longer the product,
our prime export is our
means of production, our technology.
And wherever it goes,
we must maintain our monopoly,
South America, the Third World
and Eastern Europe.
Last year in the UK, we lost 10%,
10% of our working time in strikes.
That's very bad business
and it's got to stop.
An Eastern European future,
where we won't have any worries
about labour problems,
disputes, strikes, closures,
is, 10 say the least,
an attractive proposition.
I think we all agree
Let's move on the project.
Yes.
(ALL AGREEING)
Good.
Now, let's look carefully
at Brazil and China.
TEDDY WHITAKER:
This is a fine school.
It is a British school
And I believe there is an essential
affinity between these two facts.
We are living through one of the most
turbulent eras in the history of man.
And some of you will soon be stepping
out of this fine British school
into that troubled world.
From this you may have gathered
that [ am patriot and a nationalist.
I am a patriot and a nationalist.
Yes, and I am proud to be a nationalist.
That is because
I believe that we British
have an important strategic role
to play in the global arena.
In a world full of Arabs, communists
and unpredictable foreigners,
there is something deeply reassuring
in the fundamental decency
and loyalty among friends
that is the hallmark of being British.
But that is not what I came
here today to tell you.
I am here today to tell you
that détente,
the pursuit of peaceful coexistence
between East and West,
the pursuit of peace
between Iron Curtain countries
of the communist bloc in the East
and the freedom-loving
democracies in the \West,
I am here to tell you that this détente
is dead.
Behind the peace-loving
cloak of détente,
the Soviet Union has built
a mighty military empire.
In Russia, the voice of freedom
is dying in the gulags.
And now the spectre of the Russian bear
casts a dark shadow over our democracy
and our individual freedom.
Thank God you're here
I thought I'd have to stay for lunch.
If we go for this one,
we must know you'll stick with us.
If you want to take advantage
of our peaceful and well-ordered
industrial relations,
you'll have to join the queue.
You are not going to get this
from anywhere else, comrade,
that's why you're with me now.
Could be classified as sensitive
but nobody is going to offer you
this kind of hardware
because they simply haven't got it.
Sol don't think we should spend
a lot of time playing footsie.
What the hell is footsie?
It's what Pervitsky does
when he wastes three hours arguing
something you and I
can settle in three minutes.
Stop looking at your watch,
you schmuck. What do you think this is?
I have another appointment.
You always have another appointment.
It's more than a rumour, much more.
Nobody's suggesting
that the credits should be withdrawn.
Not yet. No, the credits are secure.
But the suggestion is that
the Government may demand
better conditions
for their guarantees of credit,
which means the banks may have to demand
a higher interest rate
from the Russians.
Demand? That was the word,
was it? Demand?
Yes, I believe it was.
Typical.
The Russians may not wear it, you know.
Is anybody else
contemplating such action?
-The Germans? French?
-No, not a murmur.
Not a murmur.
-We hardly need this, Teddy.
-On, [ know.
Who's the culprit?
I'm not sure who it's coming from,
but it's coming from inside the Cabinet.
My bet's on Pitman.
Hmm, yes, Pitman,
he's just that sort of fool.
It's the publicity, Peter.
He enjoys the publicity.
-And why doesn't somebody sit on him?
fit is him.
Oh, I'll bet he's the culprit.
Once Pitman gets hold of the wrong end
of the stick, he never lets go.
Well, everybody's being rather
sheepish about it at the moment.
But if he's provoked, he might
start shouting about it in the House.
Its the last thing
we want at the moment.
If the banks are happy,
then the Government should be happy.
He ought to know that.
-How was your do this morning?
- (CHUCKLES) Oh.
Well, the place looked different
but it smelt the same
Sweaty shirts and chalk?
Something like that.
What are we going to do about Pitman?
If the Cabinet let him loose on this,
I shall certainly withdraw my support
for the party's media campaign
Perhaps you could drop
that in the right earhole?
And I would like to speak to Turner
and Pearcy at the House this evening.
We really need a new recruit
in Pitman's department.
Ah, Geoff, well done.
-Come along, sit down.
-Thanks.
-Edward, hello.
-Hello, Geoffrey.
You're very late
but we can still serve you
-some excellent lamb cutlets.
-Nothing for me, thank you.
-Drink, sir?
Mineral water.
I'll do that.
You can leave all that stuff
Just now, Andrew. Thank you.
Teddy tells me Pitman's been
stirring it up in the Cabinet.
Bullying the banks to up
their interest rates to the Russians.
We are going to arrange to have
Turner and Pearcy sit on him.
Thank you.
How have you got on?
It looks good.
And they've got quite a shopping list.
And Kozlov is already very busy.
-Popular chap, is he?
-Flavour of the month.
What's on the list for us?
Geoff's been discussing possible
projects with Kozlov for some time.
He's coming on strong for us to lay down
a massive new tyre production plant
somewhere in the Ukraine.
There's no doubt
that they've been to Czechoslovakia
and had a damn good look
at our factory there
I'm sure they've put their noses
all around it
Our new Czech factory
just coming on stream,
-running very smoothly.
-Yes, good.
-They must have been impressed.
-Very impressed.
-I should damn well think so.
-They want theirs to be even better.
Really? What are they after?
They want the laser technology.
Lasers?
SIR PETER: How did they know
about the lasers?
I old Kozlov about
the new process. Not too much,
Just enough.
Good. They're
very ambitious, aren't they?
There was a time when
all they wanted was technology,
any old tackle would do,
but now they only want the best.
Lasers? Tell me about lasers.
We can vulcanise by laser,
a marvellous new process,
a by-product from our aerospace.
So what's the layout?
What's the proposed scheme? The project?
GEOFF: We supply and install
the technological means of production
for a factory on site in Russia
to manufacture our new
steel-whip mach 3 radial tyre.
And that would include
laser technology, yes?
And our DM computer system.
That's what they were
nosing at in Czechoslovakia.
But it's the lasers
that they're after, yes?
Well, that's what they're hot for.
It would make it
one of the most efficient
and up-to-date tyre production
factories in the world.
We'll have to think
very hard about the terms.
Oh, a buy-back would be essential.
Are they to be trusted?
How do you mean, Teddy?
I mean, can you guarantee
the quality of the tyres?
One hears the most appalling
stories of their incompetence.
We put in our own personnel,
our own management.
We demand that
That will be one guarantee of quality.
And it's our technology,
that's our biggest guarantee.
The tyre frames and moulds
will give a product mix
identical in every aspect
to tyres produced in the UK.
They will look and be
exactly the same, better,
totally acceptable on the home market.
And the cost of manufacturing them
would be considerably lower?
-Of course.
-Yes.
Well, lasers could be
on the prohibited list.
Sensitive, you know,
it could create a lot of problems.
-I have to check it out.
-Don't like that
Better not to ask any questions
and not to have any questions asked.
Well, it might be better
to clear it and be safe.
Correct me if I am wrong but
once they have got the laser technology,
couldn't they convert
it to a military purpose?
I mean, one could have difficulties
arguing around that
It's a damned long way
from a weapons system.
I think I could argue
very eloquently around it.
-Their military may not need it
-So could you, if you think about it.
Same sort of problem
as the DM computer, isn't it?
-And that was rather sticky.
-We got it through.
Oh, yes. But it was difficult.
Turner helped a lot, didn't they?
But you do have one point, Teddy.
It would be a pity to give them
something they haven't paid for.
If we don't go in there with the lasers,
you can bet your arse
somebody else will
Quite so.
I think it's good, Geoffrey.
I like it
So what's your next move?
SIR PETER: We have an official meeting
with the Russians tomorrow.
The usual form, Dr Pervitsky
pretending he can't speak English,
with letters written on a piece
of paper. The usual nonsense.
One of the Russians'
chief negotiating tactics
is to bore the other party to death.
But if we can go in there
knowing that they want the project,
then we sit tight
and hold the advantage.
Weill talk to Robbie straight away
and get him to do a complete
analysis on the whole setup.
Putting up the price is inflation.
It's an inbuilt part
of the structure, got it?
Wages have nothing to do with it.
Reduce wages by 20%,
you can still have inflation.
Wages have as much influence
on inflation
as my farts on space travel.
Assets. Monopoly.
Control, that's where the power lies.
-Oh, you can't lose.
-Only fools fight to lose, comrade.
-Leave that to the workers.
-And the unemployed.
Balls to your non-existent
conscience, brother Kozlov.
The unemployed, they're just
a sign of our mutual prosperity.
The tyre plant, it looks good.
Very good.
It's the one we should go for?
I see no point in discussing
anything else.
We can save a lot of time
and get down to business.
-We've no time to waste.
-Good
Consider the contract signed.
What's for lunch?
Roast beef.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
(CUTLERY CLATTERS)
Still no sign?
I've had him do a thorough check.
I get the lot.
Party left at 10.00
and is expected here at 12:30.
Where were they supposed to be
before they came to us?
(CHUCKLES) They wouldn't say.
Are you hungry?
-Peckish, yes.
-Me, too, I missed breakfast.
I've not eaten a thing.
I was with bloody Kozlov.
They're here. They've had their lunch.
Lunch will not be served in here today.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
On behalf of my comrades,
I would like to take this opportunity
to extend to you our honest
and sincere apologies
for not having been able
to take advantage
of your kind invitation to lunch.
We trust this will not cause ill will
between your corporation
and the Soviet Union?
It was with great regret that we were
not able to share your food with you,
particularly as I understand
your roast beef is very delicious.
Our apologies.
Thank you, Mr Vasin,
for your kind words
As you say, the roast beef
would have been delicious.
I would like, on behalf of
UK Multimotive, to welcome you here,
we are most encouraged by your presence.
As we have done good business
together in the past,
I would like to suggest, with respect,
being among friends, as it were,
that we keep
our formalities to a minimum
and that we get right down to business.
Welcome.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Dr Pervitsky,
Vice-Chairman of the State Committee
for Science and Technology.
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen, comrades,
each time I come to Britain,
I have met representatives of
business circles of your country,
and irrespective of different climates,
favourable or cool,
during my visit, I always get convinced
that British businessmen are people of
great experience and common sense.
They are realistic.
They are able, from my point of view,
to remain calm
when the world is in
a changing situation.
This creates a good basis
for fruitful discussion
and helps to reach
mutual understanding and solutions,
which would best correspond
to the interest of both sides
and to contribute to
the developing and strengthening
of our business cooperation.
There is a considerable
competition in the world market
and the Soviet Union will be
viewing all potential agreements
with a critical eye.
If you happen to be visiting Moscow now,
you will hear more French,
German, Swedish
and Japanese spoken
than English. Nevertheless,
the British government has been
successful in negotiating
an extension of credit
to the Soviet Union.
The extension of the credit
is an opportunity for both our countries
to develop further a reciprocal trade.
The signing of the contract
will depend on many factors.
The technological standard
of the equipment is high
on the list of our priorities.
The Soviet Union is rich
in raw materials,
therefore, we will be looking
to purchase under licence
manufacturing processes
in several priority areas.
Food processing, the chemical industry,
machine tools and
engineering, aeronautics.
Through negotiations with Mr Vasin,
my comrade from
the Ministry of Foreign Trade,
we are seeking protocol agreements
for the purchase of a large variety
of consumer goods.
The Soviet Union has
a noble tradition in the sciences.
Research for the furtherance of science
and the good of mankind
is one of the highest ideals
of the people of the Soviet Union.
To this great end,
we are looking to sign
cooperation agreements
for research and development
in the following.
Health, biomedical and clinical studies,
environmental protection,
air pollution, earthquake prediction...
What the hell is going on?
What prompted the Vice-Chairman
for the State Committee
of Science and Technology
to deliver 35 minutes
of non-technological verbal crap?
The guy's a pompous arsehole.
-Remember that.
I will,
-Remember who he is.
-He's not likely to let me forget.
Don't fall out with him, he is your key.
-He's a very powerful man.
-And he knows it.
And what's all this shit about
the British Government
has been fortunate to negotiate
credit terms with the USSR?
It's us lending you,
not the other way around.
Seven and one quarter percent!
Do you know what interest
I have to pay on a loan?
I cannot urinate if you're
banging me on the shoulder.
If I default on a debt,
the bank cuts my balls up for gravy.
If Russia defaults,
they'll lend them another billion bucks.
Russia does not default on its debts.
All right,
I'm hungry, I need lunch.
I've not eaten all day
Where the hell have you been?
We were offered lunch
at a previous appointment.
We could not refuse.
(AMERICAN ACCENT) Corn on the cob,
Chicken Maryland,
raspberry ripple, I'll bet my ass?
You'd have done better here.
Well, no surprises here,
very much in line with what we expected.
That man Pervitsky
is an appalling pain in the neck,
Just like my neighbours in Hampshire.
He's already delivered
that speech twice today,
probably going
for his hat trick right now.
I'm going to have an early drink on an
empty stomach. Anyone care to join me?
-No, thanks.
-Thanks.
Do we have to put up with him?
GEOFF: As far as we're concerned,
he is the State Committee
for Science and Technology.
He also ranks rather highly
in the KGB-that-as-it-may.
Once we get past the State Committee
for Science and Technology of Vasin,
our possibilities open up. Ministries,
committees, institutes, research bodies.
Once we've made the deal with Pervitsky,
we're free to negotiate with
everybody else. He is our ticket.
I can see what Harry Kettner
was driving at
Yes, he's a bastard.
But we can get around Dr Pervitsky.
You mustn't let him get to you, Geoff.
I can see your ears going red
One of his levers is to hook you into
research and development agreements.
That way they can take your technology
apart, pinch it, copy it...
-Like the Japanese.
-...and leave you with no deal.
That's something we can tum
to our advantage, Geoffrey,
we're not seeing the Russians
again till a week on Friday.
But that means we lose 10 days.
I made it 10. They wanted only six.
We're not going to lose any of
the good work you've done with Kozlov.
We're still ahead.
Our lot in North America
are pushing hard in Brazil.
I'd like to see their results and
Kettner has got a lot going in China.
We need the time.
Robbie, get someone
to do a total analysis
on all our other Eastern Bloc deals,
shove it through the computer model.
We have the advantage
of knowing what they want.
Damn "em. Let 'em wait!
Okay.
Computers and lasers?
SIR PETER: Yes.
Robbie's a bit worried.
Lasers are sensitive technology.
(SIGHS) We know that
The Russians could easily exploit them
for military purposes.
Also, our aerospace division has a
laser weapons development programme
with the Ministry of Defence.
And there are people who may not like it
if we export this technology to Russia.
We will have to get round them.
Bob?
I think we should look
at the situation very carefully.
That's what I just said, Bob.
If we are going to transfer the stuff,
we need a watertight procedure.
Bob, could you do an exercise
and present us with some possibilities?
Is it on the prohibited list?
There's a lot of pressure
on this side of the Atlantic,
particularly from the French
and the Germans,
to remove as many items
on the prohibited list as possible.
I think we could rely on them
for support.
Sowe don't know it's
on the list at the present time?
If it is on the fist,
I think we can create
enough pressure to have it removed.
Don't let's stir sleeping dogs
or we could find ourselves with
some very sticky balls in the air.
The Americans would
almost certainly move against us.
Probably pick up the deal
at the bathroom door.
Once we have made the basic
technology available to them,
there's no way we can stop them
converting the lasers
to a military purpose.
The military may not need it.
They do have a general
sitting at the negotiation table.
Always have a general
sitting at the negotiating table.
It's a situation full of serious
implications for the company.
We must proceed with caution
over the next 10 days.
We have a handle on this technology
and we shouldn't lose it
-That's one of the points I'm making.
-Precisely.
I think we should take some soundings
from our people inside
the Government, and soon.
But generally, keep a very
low profile in this area.
Whitaker is being
very constipated about this.
We'll have to stir him up.
The market potential is enormous.
If we don't do it, our competitors will.
The laser technologies situation is
very sticky. You know that, don't you?
There are people in the Government
who can push us into the deep end.
If it comes to that, Teddy,
let us hope that it doesn't,
if anybody moves against us,
you will have to persuade them that
it most definitely will not be
in their or the party's interests.
And it doesn't matter a damn
which party they're talking about.
-(KNOCK ON DOOR)
-BARBARA: You must stop now.
Sorry, Teddy.
Keep in touch.
-Harry.
Hello, Peter.
-Good of you to break the journey.
-My pleasure.
-Where are you heading?
-Geneva
Peter...
I had an intuition
I didn't want to put on the line.
It's important.
And the intelligence is
more than reliable.
Tell me.
We talked about this
in our last meeting.
But the situation is moving
so fast, I had to see you.
What's on?
It concerns the Aerospace Division,
most particularly,
the laser weapon technology.
Yes?
My intelligence is
that the competition in the States
is moving fast
And I really do mean fast.
It's the California Gold Rush.
They're pouring money
into their laser weapon research.
And at their present rate
of development,
they could beat us into the market.
Now, I know it presents
problems for you here
but it's my firm conviction, Peter,
that the company's aerospace programme,
and by that I really mean
the laser programme,
must take the highest priority
over all other investments.
Yes.
-Détente was oversold.
-It's cooler now.
There's a lot of smart money
pouring into armaments.
The situation is very positive.
If our aerospace people could bring
the laser weapon programme
cut ahead of the competition,
it will open up the entire
military market for us.
Hmm. It's there for the taking.
The dividends would be staggering.
But they're onto this
in the States in a big way,
they're quietly injecting
massive amounts of capital
into their research
and development programmes,
upping their budgets by
two and three hundred per cent.
And here are some of the details
that I've had passed along to me.
A lot of this has come in
in just the last few days.
I'm sure it will be
useful for your guys.
Appreciate your attention
on this matter, Harry
Our research programme is moving
but it's not moving fast enough.
We've had the edge on all these fellows
in California. We may still have it.
But to get the lasers onto the market,
we need a massive boost of funds,
which neither we nor the
British Government can afford.
They're not going to put
any more money into our kitty
and we could lose the market,
as you say.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
-Mr Kettner must leave now.
-Thank you, Barbara.
I'd appreciate it, Harry, if you'd keep
your ear to the ground
-on this and other matters.
-Sure
I'll be back through here
in 10 or 12 days.
Ask Robbie to come in.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
I think we have covered that
this morning.
SIR PETER: I agree.
I think this morning's session
was extremely constructive
We've gained a lot of ground
and in my mind, there is no doubt
the tyre production plant
should be our prime target.
I think we're all agreed on that.
I think so.
It is now 3:30 precisely.
As we've gained a lot of ground,
perhaps this is a good time 10 stop.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
I think we should look
at the arrangements once again
and then go home.
Yes, fine, by all means. Perhaps it
will be useful to recap the headlines.
Can you go over it for us, Clive?
Okay, let's do that.
I'm sorry, I am not able
to understand that,
what it means 10 recap the headlines?
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Are we agreed?
Is that what we're going to do?
-Yes. Let's get on with it, Clive.
-Okay, let's go, let's go.
CLIVE: The product, gentlemen, is our
new steel-whip mach 3 radial tyre.
You've already got our research
and development statistics
and I think you will agree on
the first-class quality of the product.
Obviously, we've not yet had
the opportunity
to map out a production schedule,
but I would anticipate
a three-year run-up period,
from the signing of the contracts
to the factory coming on-stream
I think that's reasonable.
We could start preliminaries for
full scale planning almost immediately.
To carve the whole thing up
into its basic units,
we will be responsible for the provision
of all the hardware
and you will be responsible
for the provision of a proper site,
that is for the factory buildings,
the infrastructure services,
water, gas, electricity
and transport facilities.
We will provide the technological
means of production,
including the machine tools,
which we will transfer
to your factory site in Russia,
install and bring the plant
to full operational service.
I think that's as far as we've got.
How long before you can provide
a more detailed breakdown, Clive?
-In Russian, two days.
-That's fine, no problems.
SIR PETER: Excellent.
Now, where are you contemplating
siting the factory?
VASIN: It will be sited
in a modem industrial complex.
Yes, good.
We haven't yet mentioned manpower.
No, we haven't, have we?
As the subject has been raised,
I think the most sensible proposal
would be to follow the basic terms
of our last agreement.
We provide the skilled manpower
to train your chaps
but unlike our past arrangements,
we would require the permanent
posting on site in Russia,
of UKM personnel in all key positions.
Not necessary, not possible.
Once our people have
mastered the techniques,
we don't need
your personnel on our site.
That would be unnecessary expense.
We could go into that in detail
at our next meeting.
What we ought to be discussing here
is a joint venture,
such as we have in Czechoslovakia.
VASIN: What do you mean
exactly by joint venture?
I mean our company should maintain
co-ownership of the means of production.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Nyet!
I think we would have to consult
and take advice on that one,
however, we are willing to consider
a cooperation agreement.
Yes, I'm sure you are.
We would also offer you
buyback facilities.
Co-production could only become
possible on a minimum basis of 50-50.
No, no, no. I understand your banks
may demand higher interest rate.
50-50 is out.
Once you have technical details,
I think you will begin to appreciate
the sophistication of this plant.
In Russia, we have good
industrial relations. No strikes.
You appreciate good industrial
relations, I know.
We are willing to produce in Russia
tyres for you, good tyres,
and we will not complain with this,
we who are accused of damping.
That is out of the question.
VASIN: But you will make
good profits, you know.
You no longer need all your factories
here, you can close them down
If we are forced to make closures here,
we shall have to compensate
for these closures,
which means a 50-50 deal
becomes of decisive importance.
And I would stress
that is our minimum requirement,
depending on other factors
in the negotiation.
Sir Peter, my friend,
I appreciate what you are saying.
But this is something we cannot
possibly agree to at this time.
We have to check this one out.
But at this time, I think we can agree
in principle to a cooperation agreement.
And to offer you facilities
to buy back a percentage
of the tyres produced.
We would also look to make an agreement
whereby you will act
as our distribution agent
for the tyres we export to the West.
We will be willing to negotiate on that
at our next meeting, all right?
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
Comrade Dr Pervitsky wishes
to raise the question
of research and development.
At our last meeting you proposed that
we should sign a formal agreement
for research and development
into this project.
I would like to confirm this
before we go further.
Sorry, could I just clarify?
Are you referring to our last meeting?
Is that correct?
That is correct.
Dr Pervitsky, I think that what
we're discussing here is technology
that has already been
researched and developed.
Our aim is to go into
production without delay.
With regard to this project,
such an agreement is quite impossible.
It will be difficult for the State
Committee for Science and Technology
to negotiate any kind of an agreement
unless it includes
research and development.
SIR PETER: Perhaps we have
a language barrier difficulty here.
I believe that what I actually said
was, it'll be in the minutes,
"I express the company's interest
in your proposals
"for general research and development."
Perhaps I did not make myself clear.
I think it was very clear.
Perhaps you should check in the minutes.
In the Soviet Union, our science
is a collective achievement.
It belongs to the people.
It is our collective duty
in the interest of peace and détente
between East and West, that we shall
strengthen the bond between us
through the exploration
of science and technology.
I couldn't agree more.
The USSR has the finest tradition
in pure science,
while here in the West, we lead
the world in the science of technology.
A marriage of these two
prestigious forces
will be of substantial benefit
to us all.
But at this time,
to cause any delay in exploiting
this particular means of production
would cost us the delicate lead
we have achieved in the world market.
I'm sure you will appreciate this.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Comrade Dr Pervitsky wishes to say
it will not be possible for the USSR
to proceed with further discussions
with your company
unless you concede total,
total access to research
and development
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
-Why do you always turn on the taps?
-Christ knows
-You never know who's listening in.
-We're in your headquarters.
This is your building.
Must we always meet in the toilet?
The only place you can have
a straight discussion.
-Pervitsky is an arsehole.
-You said that last time.
Wait until they demand joint ownership,
then he's gonna bust his piles!
He won't get it. A cooperation deal.
Be satisfied. Share the spoils.
Why not joint-ownership?
And don't give me any of that crap
about capitalist ownership contradicting
the first principle of socialism.
It does, but that is not the reason.
Look, we are not offering
first-generation rubbish. It's our best.
Now, you know, as well as I do
that our technology, any technology,
it's mobile, it's constantly changing.
In another three or four years' time,
there'll be better stuff pushing
its way in. We have to go on it now!
I agree. That's why we must have
research and development.
Screw the research!
We have to capitalise on it now,
otherwise we lose out.
We're offering you the best.
What more do you want?
Look, does Pervitsky want a deal?
I mean, what is he trying to do?
Why don't you ask Sir Peter?
'What?
-Look, comrade, there is no conflict.
Dr Pervitsky wants a bigger deal.
He wants total access
to research and development.
Ask Sir Peter.
Shit
Shit!
How much do you know
about our aerospace?
Only what you told me.
- I said nothing about lasers.
-Neither did I.
Don't be so paranoid.
We know that your industrial technology
is highly sophisticated.
But why stop there?
If your aerospace people are interested,
tell them to get in touch.
Don't forget to turn off the taps.
Handbags to hand grenades.
-Millions to billions.
-Yes.
Kettner tells me we could lose
our aerospace sales to the US.
The whole of our laser project
with its nose in the dirt
The Americans are going forward
by leaps and bounds.
I've been chewing on that
for the past few days
Old Pervitsky's very good, isn't he?
Puts up a good show.
I wish we could hire him. (LAUGHS)
It's a very attractive proposition,
isn't it?
What do you think?
If we don't, somebody else will.
Uncharted waters,
we'll have to navigate very carefully.
It's a first for us.
Others have done it.
I'm sure we'll have no problem.
There'll be acres of problems
but we can handle it
It makes a tyre factory
into very small beer, doesn't it?
What about Whitehall?
That's what Teddy's for.
And all the rest of them. (LAUGHS)
Let's get Robbie into this.
Is Whitaker secure?
We do have others, but he knows about
the deal. I think he can handle it
Find out where Kozlov will be
over the weekend
Let Pervitsky know
we're going to think seriously
about research and development.
But the plant must
go ahead without delay.
I think he'll agree.
I'll talk to Boris.
Barbara, get Robbie, will you?
-Oh, like that one.
-Do you?
-Put it in myself personally.
-Really?
SIR PETER: Yeah. Pretty, isn't it?
KOZLOV: Beautiful. Beautiful.
KOZLOV: Does it have a name?
Probably.
Oh, so much lawn!
You must have to spend
a lot of time in the garden.
Oh, we have a couple of chaps
around to give us a hand, you know.
It's in good shape.
Must be a full-time job.
You can't get too fussy about lawns,
otherwise one spends one's life
worrying about brown patches and so on.
TEDDY: Good afternoon!
Teddy, hello!
Leave you chaps. See you later.
Hello, Teddy.
Expected you to lunch. What kept you?
I just thought of something
extremely funny.
Really?
I just had lunch with Foster
in the Treasury
God help you.
You will probably need a stomach pump.
Exactly. He's been collecting
third-rate restaurants for years.
Let's go to the pool. It's quiet there.
Anyway, I had to have lunch with him.
Hello, good afternoon. Nice to see you.
God knows who they are.
Pervitsky and the rest of them,
do they know you're here?
Why should they not know?
It was a collective decision
that I should come here.
All those in favour, say 'aye'.
We are handling
a lot of negotiations right now.
We are interested to make a contract.
We have lost too much time.
I just want to know
who I'm dealing with, that's all.
-How far are you authorised to go?
-What have you got to offer?
We're in rather difficult water
with our aerospace project, Teddy.
It could flounder at the last minute
through lack of support.
You mean the Ministry of Defence?
Them and us. Although they've been
bloody stingy all the way through,
not to mention short-sighted.
You did your best.
But it's not just a matter of funds.
It's also a question of facilities.
We've pushed millions
into our research and development
and we need millions more before we can
begin to capitalise in the arms market.
It's an appalling dilemma, Teddy.
The armaments industry is
on the threshold
of one of its most remarkable
breakthroughs in history.
In business terms, that means a bonanza.
The US Government research subsidy, all
to private firms, mark you, like ours,
makes the British contribution to UKM
look like a handout of the dole.
What can we do?
The American-based companies
sitting in that Californian sun
are going to scoop the world market
from under our very noses.
WHITAKER: And how does
this affect your Russian project?
SIR PETER: They know
we're using laser beams in industry
and I'm sure they're very impressed by
what we're offering them in that area,
they are doing research
into beam technology
and they know that
we're doing the same.
It's rather obvious
that they want to compare notes.
We must have some kind
of limitations agreement.
Otherwise, you'd just rip off
our technology.
We can't just sign a research
and development agreement
and hope for the best.
We must have some kind
of guarantee of secrecy.
You will sign a research agreement
with the State Committee
for Science and Technology, right?
Maybe.
And then you will sign
a manufacturing agreement
with the appropriate
trade organisation, right?
-Let us hope so.
-Then, that is your contract.
-That's your guarantee.
-It's not enough.
We're not just talking about
car tyres, you know.
Stones, arrows, bullets, cannon balls,
bombs, missiles, beams,
particle beams, laser beams,
beam technology.
That's the great leap forward
that's revolutionising
all our concept of warfare.
That's a bonanza.
Our share in this would be
a laser cannon of satellite potential,
which means a laser could be mounted
on a satellite and launched into space,
where it can knock out all the missiles
the enemy cares to put up.
The component could also be used
in planes, tanks, guns, and so on.
The US hate us
because we're ahead on this one.
We've got the edge.
But at your current rate of development,
your lack of funds and so on,
they're going to get there before you?
And we'll lose millions.
That's why we need the Russians.
The Russians?
Yes, they can't make a good
refrigerator to save their backsides,
but they do have wonderful
facilities for military research.
Mines, personnel,
laboratories, everything.
That's where they really
spend their money.
And they have satellite lifting.
They've got hardware in space
that we can use for testing and so on.
I see.
And you certainly
won't get that in the UK.
SIR PETER: Impossible!
We've got bugger all up there.
But if we can put our heads together
with the Russians,
there's no doubt we'll come out on top
and scoop the world market
I really can't turn down the offer.
No, of course you can't.
You don't like it, Teddy. Do you?
-It's a matter of billions, yes?
-Yes.
We've not done anything
like this before.
But I believe there are precedents.
What about the press?
Oh, once you've trained a dog to bark,
you don't expect it suddenly
to start squawking like a parrot.
No! (CHUCKLES)
Whitehall. That's where
we'll need our diplomacy,
no embarrassing questions.
I want you to look after it, Teddy.
We can make a deal with one of your
piddling little
governmental trade departments,
keep it in the family, secrets, right?
-Right.
But a monumental state,
USSR Incorporated,
can come along and say,
"Screw you and your secrets,
"we can do what the hell we want
with them."
And set up war factories designed
in our patents, our technology,
and sell those products all over
the world. Where's our cut?
"Up you!" says the state,
and stays up you
Till your factories go out-of-date
and you're back wanting
more technology. No go.
KOSLOV.
You're not in a good humour today.
One state department
cannot sign an agreement
which guarantees secrecy from the state,
that's ridiculous.
What happens to the sovereignty
of the state?
BLAKE: Screw the state.
KOSLOV: And in my state,
the means of production belong
to the people. The people are the state.
The technology belongs to them.
BLAKE:
Not my technology, brother.
I'm a filthy capitalist, remember?
Look, why make deals with the West?
Why make deals with a capitalist system?
Well, we can't avoid having
trade relations with the West.
-You're damn right.
-But whatever we do
is done in the interests of socialism.
We are not buying capitalism.
Whatever it is, once it is in the USSR,
it belongs to the Soviet State
-That's what I'm saying.
-Our trade relations with the West
in no way impinge on the basic
principles of communism in the USSR.
There is no capitalism
in the Soviet Union.
What is the man saying?
What about the manufacturing process?
Would the whole laser cannon
be put together in Russia?
Good Lord, no.
Once we've perfected the component,
it would be assembled here
at our UK aerospace division,
which means we can honour our contract
with the Ministry of Defence.
Jobs for all
There's no question of selling
the Soviet Union an armament system.
Don't look at it like that.
All we will be doing in Russia
is research and development.
-That's the way to think about it.
-Of course.
Once we've negotiated the contracts,
we could manage the whole transaction
through the Balochistan connection.
-What? Where's Balochistan?
-Exactly.
Just an easy reference for doing
business through a subsidiary
of which nobody has ever heard.
Common enough practice.
We'll do the whole thing through one
of our subsidiaries in a country
where these embargos and questions
of national interest no longer apply.
Egypt, Turkey, Africa,
somewhere like that
You'll stay to dinner, Teddy?
Oh, yes, of course.
There are some kinds
of technology we just don't sell.
It's ours. If you want it,
you've got to take us with it.
Who is that over there?
Geoffrey Blake'
-No, no, no, who is that with him?
Mr Kozlov,
Russian Trade Delegation chap.
Come over and say hello.
I have not got the power to change
the constitution of the Soviet Union.
-You know that.
-Maybe not.
But you can carry the word
to the right ears, as you always do.
That's why they trust you so much.
SIR PETER: Geoffrey!
Here, play that at your next
fundraising party for orphans in exile.
Edward.
Mr Kozlov, Russian Trade Delegation,
lives in Highgate.
Charming spot, Highgate.
Edward Whitaker
He's an MP. Aren't you, Teddy?
How's it all going?
Had time for your chat, I hope?
Rather busy here today.
-Yes, we've talked our way through it.
-Good
WOMAN: Tea!
Tea. Let's go and find a cup.
Sir Peter, you must understand we will
try 10 give you some kind of guarantee
to allow you control of your technology.
That's the official word
I can give in confidence to you.
It is both welcome
and necessary, Mr Kozlov.
You see, you're not the only company
making this kind of demand.
We are working on it but it takes time.
Understand that, please.
Okay. Understood.
The Russians picked up on
Pitman's move to up the interest rate.
-That's impossible.
-I'm telling you. They picked up on it.
It may cost us a few points.
But Pitman's dropped,
I already told Peter.
He was thrown cut of the Cabinet meeting
last Wednesday.
Took too long.
You have to accept
that in government circles,
things sometimes take longer
than you expect.
No, I don't.
I don't have to accept that at all.
And if you should ever hope
to aspire above the rank
of political dogsbody,
you should also stop accepting it.
-We could have lost the whole deal.
-But you haven't
We could have lost it.
But you haven't lost it, Geoffrey,
and the credits are secure.
Nothing, absolutely nothing
must be allowed 10 interfere
with the flow of those credits,
and that includes Pitman
and the rest of them.
I think you've made that point.
Any mention of laser technology
inside Whitehall
must be buried without trace.
Nothing even mildly unfavourable
must be allowed to reach the surface.
It is done, Geoffrey.
Sir Peter wanted me to make that
perfectly clear
You've done that. Now drop it
Oh, yes.
Word is that in another
six months' time,
there's going to be mayhem in
another little comer of Southeast Asia.
If you want to make some smart money,
I think I can put your finger
on some stock
that's going to treble in a short time.
If you're interested, let me know.
You're devoid of conscience, aren't you?
Devoid of what?
You have no loyalty.
Except to your wealth.
And to your over-inflated sense
of self-importance.
That is only partially true.
My loyalties are to myself
and to the company.
Where else would you have me place
my loyalties, with kings and queens?
With governments?
The company cut lives them all.
Your nationalism and your patriotism
mean nothing to me.
Perhaps you may not have noticed,
but there's a deal of difference
between car tyres and laser weapons.
You bet your arse I have noticed.
You may not be aware of it
or wish to acknowledge it,
but there is such a thing
as the national interest,
You are selling armaments to Russia.
Now, Edward, that is not the way
to look at it. You know that
You are dealing against
the national interest, that's...
Don't you interrupt me,
that is my opinion
I cannot be a party to this.
I cannot help you.
I'm not going to obstruct you
but in the matter of the laser weapons,
I will not help you.
We've enough problems funding
our own defence budget,
without chipping in to help out Russia.
Afraid I can't let you do that, Edward.
That is my decision, not yours.
Even a neutral stance
would be obstructive to us.
I have an investment to protect.
The workers here, the British workers,
they don't appreciate what they've got.
I'm sure you agree with that.
That is why
we are taking it away from them.
People must work for us on our terms,
otherwise, they won't work at all.
Can't seem to get that
into their thick skulls, can they?
We've been telling them for years.
They're going to have to come in line.
They are going to have to settle
for exactly what we give them
and no more.
Those are our terms.
I feel deeply compromised
in this matter.
I cannot help you.
What we have in Russia, all over the
Eastern Bloc, is an employer's dream.
Russian workers keep their traps shut
and get on with the job.
If they strike, they get knocked
on the skull and locked up as criminals.
Now, that's what I call
a solid investment.
Back it, put your money on it.
Russia is an important investment
from which the company reaps
massive returns
by courtesy of the state.
And we have a clear-cut commitment
to support and maintain that investment
to maintain the communist status quo.
You have to realise that.
The corporation is a defender
of the state with no interest
in the freedom of the individual,
the gulags are an investment
to be maintained and protected.
So you see, Edward, you really
can't back out at this time, can you?
I have a creeping feeling in my gut,
especially when I'm in your presence,
that you are feeding the beast
that will devour us all.
You're gun-running.
You're dealing with the enemy.
There's no way round it,
that is what they are, the enemy.
Don't you forget that.
I want you to go on saying that,
Edward, loud and clear.
"Russia is the enemy,
the beast that will devour us all."
I'm afraid your sarcasm's lost on me.
Oh, come on, Teddy.
How can you have an arms industry
without an enemy?
You've got to have an enemy.
You can't demand that a nation make
economic sacrifices on the one hand
and then convince them
that it's in their interest
to spend billions of pounds
of their money on nuclear armaments,
because somebody's waving a stick
at them in Chad or Oogabooga.
You've got to have an enemy.
Thank God for Russia.
She's the greatest enemy we ever had.
Let's not forget that.
You're a thug.
I won't say a fascist
because it sounds like an excuse.
You trade on decency!
You're a thug.
Understand,
Whitaker,
that life on this planet
is not going to get any better,
except for the few.
Now, I recognised that
as a reality long ago.
And if governments and politicians
want to stay in power,
they are going to have to go
with those who hold the power.
With us.
They are going to have
to join our organisations,
our clubs, our councils,
our commissions,
otherwise, they may as well forget it
and join the Sally Army.
Or start digging their pit.
Now, we've got a lot of work to tie up
over the next few days
and I want you to ring me
on Monday morning,
just to let me know
that everything's fine at your end.
(JINGLE PLAYS)
NARRATOR: UKM Aerospace leads the world.
Bulletin.
From UKM defence research laboratories,
a new laser cannon, exploiting satellite
potential on anti-ICBM missions.
Scanning. High-resolution
remote sensing array,
plus laser lock-on and tracking device.
Target survey, constant.
In this conceptual
space battle scenario,
a geo-stationary satellite
houses the UKM laser cannon,
and a surveillance system
capable of scanning over an area
of 22,400,000 square kilometres.
The launching of hostile ICBMs
from deep within enemy territory
is detected by the high-resolution
remote sensing array.
Defensive counteraction is swift
The laser lock-on
and tracking device is accurate
over an Earth satellite
distance of 36,600 kilometres.
Seconds after leaving
their launch pad in Russia,
the Soviet missiles are knocked out
by the high-energy
deuterium fluoride laser cannon.
For reasons of security,
precise firing potential data
is classified at this time,
but we can reveal that the potential
is in excess of 50, 5-0, firings.
Details from UKM.
Our technology is your security.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN)
Dr Pervitsky feels it would be better
if he could read his statement to you.
That way, he could be certain
that his poor command
of the English language
will not cause any misunderstanding.
By all means, Dr Pervitsky.
Sir Peter, I have understood
your reluctance in the past
to provide up-to-date technology
without safeguards over your company's
proprietary and commercial rights.
Therefore, as Vice-Chairman
for the State Committee
for Science and Technology,
I appreciate the highly sophisticated
nature of technology
your company is now making available
to the Soviet Union
Officially, it is not possible
for the Soviet Union
to recognise joint ventures
entailing equity ownership
by your company in the Soviet Union.
But I am here to assure you
that the Soviet Union is
sympathetic to your situation
and, in the interest
of further trade between us,
we are working towards giving you the
terms and conditions that you require.
We therefore unofficially concede
proprietary and corporate rights
to your company,
concerning both your technology
and the research and
the development programme.
The presence of your company,
including personnel,
will be welcome in Russia.
Thank you, Dr Pervitsky.
Let's go through, shall we?
(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING)
Gentlemen, if you'd first care to sign
the cooperation agreement?
And this is the protocol agreement
for general research and development.
Dr Pervitsky, ladies and gentlemen,
friends from the Soviet Union,
I consider the signing
of these agreements
to be something of a triumph
for both UKM, our company,
and those of us in industry
who believe in the importance
of trade between our two countries
and Eastern Europe as a whole.
The agreements we have signed today
will help to strengthen the bond
of peaceful coexistence
between our two countries.
They also mean more employment
for our workers at home.
And I would like to extend to you
the gratitude of the British workers
and trade unionists,
whose skilled labour will be employed
to manufacture
the technological equipment
we are proud to export
to the Soviet Union.
Einstein, the scientist, was once asked,
"Who will win World War III?"
Einstein replied that he did not know,
but he could state with certainty
there would be no World War IV.
With this in view,
we look to the future with optimism,
certain in the knowledge
that trade will always find a way
of maintaining peace between nations,
even in the coldest political climate
and times of disagreement and strife.
Thank you.
(ALL APPLAUDING)
(INAUDIBLE)