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undertaken to patrol the waters around the Bahamas for an interim period of not more than two years, as part of a package on defence agreed at the time the Bahamas became independent.
Functional Cost of Support for Naval Presence
1973/74
£1m
Annual Average 1978/9-1983/4
£1m
B) Belize A permanent garrison of 600 personnel is based in Belize as a deterrent against the risk of Guatemala using force in support of its claim to Belize.
Functional Cost:
1973/74
£3m
C) The Falkland Islands and Antarctica
Annual Average 1978/9-1983/4
£2m
A garrison of 37 Royal
Marines is stationed in the Falklands to deter Argentinian military adventures. There are various communications and scientific activities in the Antarctica, and an Ice Patrol ship is deployed
there annually.
Functional Cost:
Annual Average 1978/9-1983/4 £2m
1973/74
21m
TOTAL FUNCTIONAL COSTS FOR THE CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH ATLANTIC
1973/74
£5m
Annual Average 1978/9-1983/4
£5m
6.
THE MEDITERRANEAN
A) Gibraltar One battalion and supporting units are deployed to maintain a military presence to deter Spain from overrunning the colony by force. There are also Naval and Air facilities primarily but not exclusively required to fulfil our present commitment and NATO.
1973/74
Functional Costs: £12m
Annual Average 1978/9-1983/4
£140
B) Malta Under the 1972 Defence Facilities Agreement, the UK has until 1979 the right (though not the obligation) to station forces in Malta, which may be used to meet national and NATO obligations.
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