c. Mr. Moreton
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between Britain and Guatemala over British Honduras. The intention has been that this force should remain in British Honduras until a settlement of the dispute has been reached. The Mediator, appointed by the American Government, is expected to provide his report early next year, possibly at the end of January.
There are no other forces, but the Senior Naval Officer, West Indies Station (SNOWI), has a headquarters at Bermuda. Earlier this year there were three frigates operating in the area, but these were reduced to one by the end of the year. He have always thought this was the absolute minimum. addition to an internal security role the frigate is required for the Bahamas patrol, to prevent Cubans and Haitians using the 700 islands and 2,000 rocks of the Bahamas group for subversive purposes. It is also required as a hurricane relief ship.
In
Full details about disposition of forces in the dependent territories and reinforcement plans are retained by Defence Department. The information above should therefore be verified by Defence Department. I am accordingly sending a copy of this minute to Mr. Moreton, with whom Hong Kong Department have already had some discussions about the Hong Kong situation.
(H.P. Hall)
21 December, 1967.
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