SECRET UKEB
Reference....
Mr Jackson (Defence Department)
DEFENCE REVIEW:
BELIZE
CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH ATLANTIC
1. I agree with the implication in the Paper (DSWP(P)55) that the best reasonable guess is that the garrison will be required in Belize at least until 1978/79, but may not be required until 1983/84. I also agree that it would not make military sense to reduce the garrison below its present level so long as its presence is required.
FALKLAND ISLANDS
2.
I do not agree with the implication in the Paper that the detachment in the Falkland Islands could be removed. The costs and therefore the savings fore- gone by maintaining the detachment are however minimal.
3. Naturally, if we are able to achieve political solutions in these two places, we shall be able to give up the military commitment without pain and without turpitude. I therefore agree with the line of that in paragraph 4 of your minute of 4 July.
WTA Cox
West Indian and Atlantic
Department
F
5 July 1974
Copied to: Sir G Arthur
Mr Thomson
Mr Masefield
Mr Westbrook
Mr Elliott
Mr Stewart (HKIOD)
Mr Hickman (SWPD)
Mr Wright (MED)
Mr Goodison (SED)
Mr Preston (Caribbean Dept) Mr Squire SEAD Mr Tonkin (PUSD) Mr Tickell (WOD)
SECRET UKEB
1.