SECRET
SECRET
€.
In many cases research would be limited mainly to
a follow-up activity instead of being undertaken in
parallel with project development. There would be a
slowing down of development; longer intervals between,
and therefore increased obsolescence in, successive
weapons systems; and increased risks and costs because
of scientific and technological uncertainties.
Support
The maximum possible cuts would be made on support,
though this would have been cut to the bone to reach
the Critical level.. In particular the OD Headquarters
and related organisations would be cut by between 20%
and 25%.
Military Consequences
114. Paragraphs 4-6 of Annex M indicate how cuts to reach the First
level would reduce significantly the UK contribution to the Alliance's
maritime strategy, to the Alliance's land/air strategy on the
Central Front and to the direct defence of the United Kingdom.
This, coming on top of the reductions to the Critical level, would
in the considered view of the Ministry of Defence undermine the
confidence of the Allies in the viability of NATO strategy to such
an extent that the strategy would be no longer credible. In such
circumstances, the security of the United Kingdom would be gravely
at risk, and we could no longer lay credible claim that the NATO
Alliance was the linch-pin of such security as we continued to
possess. The morale of the Armed Services would fall and there
would be little confidence in the future of the Armed Forces as a
worthwhile profession.
- 63
SECRET
SECRET