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believe that Malaysia and Singapore, as well as Australia, will wish
to maintain the Arrangements intact, although they would not all
necessarily regard the maintenance of our existing force deployments
jas essential. In 1973 the Australian Government decided to withdraw
their land forces from Singapore by April 1975 (although they left
their air and naval contributions and reaff irmed their commitment
It was made very clear the..
the other
to the Arrangements).
partners expected full and genuine consultation about such changes
and the fact that Australia did no more than go through the motions
of consultation after announcing their decision caused considerable
damage to Australia's position.
19.
Our defence commitment to Brunei, and the continued
stationing of a Gurkha Battalion there, are fundamental elements in
the over-all relationship. This is, however, subsidiary to our
broader national interests in the area and consideration of future
policy towards Brunei must follow from the broader decisions.
Options
10. If changes are necessary in our contribution to, or
participation in, the FPDA, the main options are:
(a)
(b)
(c)
To confirm the previous Government's commitment to
the Arrangements but to reduce military support eg
by withdrawing the Infantry Battalion and supporting
units from Singapore;
to confirm the previous Government's commitment to
the Arrangements but to withdraw.all direct military
support;
to withdraw all forces and negotiate termination of
our participation in the Arrangements.
11. The defence review Mill establish the saving s which can be
achieved by each of these qtions. It will be necessary also to
balance possible savings against the effects they would have on our
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