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b.
C.
d.
and who play only a minor role in the Alliance's maritime
strategy. Our ability to contribute effectively to the
defence of the Eastern Atlantic area would be virtually
destroyed and we would have lost a distinctive maritime
role which enables us, alone among the active members of
NATO, effectively to share with the Americans the main
burden of NATO's maritime defence.
The Army. The Army would have to be re-shaped to a
lightly-armed UK-based force, essentially for home defence,
very doubtfully recruitable by voluntary means. There
would be no British troops deployed forward on the
Continent, and a very reduced capability to deal with
Northern Ireland.
Royal Air Force. The Royal Air Force would be forced to
abandon certain roles and capabilities entirely, for
example, long range maritime patrol, flexibility in area
air defence, and the remaining VC10 aircraft; and to
reduce the MRCA programme even further.
Procurement Executive. There would be wholesale
disruption of industry and of the Procurement Executive,
which would have to be completely restructured to meet
the lower level of demand. It is possible that by 1983/4
the position could be stabilised, and a new R&D base
rebuilt at about 60% of the present size during the
first half of the 19808.
Military Consequences
121. The severity of the measures necessary to reach the Baseline
level, including those listed under Option D, and even more 30 to
reach the Fourth level, is aggravated by the need to achieve major
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