Part I to COS 25th Meeting/70 ù August 1970.
least damaging course would be to accept the cancellation or our participation in DERP EXPRESS which would be necessitated 17 44 Commando RM relieved 45 Commando RM, and to withdraw 4 GREEN HOWARDS from Northern Ireland.
5.
In discussion, the following points were made:
F The requirement to retain an armoured reconnaissance Force of four squadrons in Northern Ireland was not yet confirmed and was still the subject of discussion
between the Azny Department and the coc. It might be possible to reduce this requirement,
Ö
There was no room for manoeuvre in the date (18 September) by which 3 PARA had to leave Malta, because of their subsequent commitment to Sharjah. Whilst it remained a possible option to leave Malta temporarily without any garrison; they would be faced with the likelihood of a major administrative muddle 12 DEVON and DORSET did not relieve 3 PARA in time for the handover of the barracks and the return of families etc.
Co
Whilst there might be advantages in consulting SACEUR as to which of their options would be least damaging to his command, the necessity for him in turn to consult his major commanders, would probably prevent their obtaining a reply in sufficient time.
It was agreed that the very serious long term difficulties with which they were faced in maintaining high force levels in Northern Ireland was a matter which they would need to discuss further. The importance of long term solutions should be emphasised in the paper (2) which was being re-written by the Operational Planning Staff in the light of his own (3) and the Army Department's (4) comments. Certain comments were also intended from the Navy Department. It was agreed to consider further the question of bringing their difficulties to the notice of the Secretary of State with relation to this paper (2).
e. It was agreed that a Royal Marine Commando should be retained in Northern Ireland until 27 September but that it was not yet necessary to decide whether or not to cancel RM Commando participation in Exercise DEEP EXPRESS This decision would need to be taken in late August.
Notes:
2.
3.
4.
DOP 524/70 (Final).
W.424/01 dated 31 July 1970.
VCGS/828 dated 3 August 1970.
SECRET
- 3 - UK EYES ONLY
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