8.
O
The crucial question is that of timing: when should we tell the Malaysians and Singaporeans, and how can we ensure that there are no repercussions on our negotiation of the new Five Power Defence Arrangements. Mr. Nairne in his minute of 9 October suggests that the meeting of the Five Power Officials in Singapore in December would be a useful opportunity to explain to our Allies what we were about. The High Commission in Kuala Lumpur in a letter of 14 October (a copy of which has gone to the Ministry of Defence) arguos, however, that we should not reveal our plans for accelerating our withdrawal until after the Five Power Meeting of officials has taken place, and that any decision on whether to accelerate the Rundown in the light of Malaysian/Singaporean reactions should only be taken in the light of the success or failure of this meeting. Mr. Aiers in his minute of 14 October does not appear to exclude the possibility of our informing the Malaysians and Singaporeans at the Five Power Officials Meeting, but thinks that this can only be decided at the time, if things are going well at the meeting.
9. I suggest that in commenting on the Planners Note to the Ministry of Defence we pass on the substance of Mr. Aiers' minute, and emphasise the necessity of Mr. Nairne consulting and clearing with us in advance the contents of his separate Note to the Chiefs of Staff on the question of timing.
PA on
fanian fie As
21/10/20
(J. Thomas)
Defence Department
20 October, 1970.
Mr. Thomes informed that su
subject
to confromation
} xl paper.
xl. abon
we have no comment on
the attached
ANG
21.10.20
SECRET