STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
4. The security of Britain rests on the strength of the North Atlantic Alliance. The maintenance and improvement of our military contribution to NATO remains the first priority of defence policy. Britain will continue to co-operate with her allies in order to enable the European members of the Alliance to take a fuller and more effective share of the common defence burden. The contribution of the British Polaris force to the Western strategic deterrent will be maintained.
5. But there are also serious threats to stability outside the NATO area. Britain will be willing to play her part in countering them by continuing
- to honour her obligations for the protection of British territories overseas and those to whom she owes a special duty by treaty or otherwise;
to support the efforts of the United Nations and other international authorities working to eliminate the sources of conflict between nations and to promote disarmament;
- to support CENTO and SEATO.
6. The Government intends in addition
- to contribute to 5-Power Commonwealth defence arrangements
relating to Malaysia and Singapore;
to continue discussions with leaders in the Gulf and other interested countries on how Britain can best contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the area.
FIVE POWER DEFENCE ARRANGEMENTS
7. Britain has long-standing associations with the Commonwealth countries of South East Asia and she shares their interest in the stability of the area. The Government believes that the total withdrawal of forces planned by the previous Administration would have weakened the security of Malaysia and Singapore; and that a continuing British military presence on the spot will be valuable in helping to preserve confidence in the area. It has therefore proposed to the four Commonwealth Governments of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore that Five Power defence arrangements should be established as soon as possible, which would include a contribution of British forces.
8. These arrangements would be based on a political commitment of a consultative nature undertaken equally by all Five Powers, relating to the defence of Malaysia and Singapore. They would replace the bilateral Anglo/Malaysian Defence Agreement.
9. The Commonwealth Governments concerned have welcomed the British intention to maintain a military presence in the area and the contribution of forces which the Government has proposed. They have agreed to join in
4