aiming for, though we should need to take care to avoid leaks elsewhere.
I agree also with Denis Healey that the run-dow of our forces in Cyprus should be one of our object- ives in working towards a settlement there. We shall probably have to discuss our thoughts in this connection with the Americans quite soon and they will certainly not take it amiss if we say it is an aspect of our defence policy which we need tackle with them separately and urgently.
5. I have considered whether we might also start separate consultations about the Five Power Defence Arrangements and Malta. But I would be opposed to this. The Americans would not want to discuss the FFDA without discussing arrangements for the Indian Ocean area as a whole, especially while Diego Garcia is still unsettled. Nor do I want to rush our fences with our FPDA partners. And before we speak to Mintoff we should have a detailed timetable
or our run-down and be absolutely sure that it is consistent with our obligations under the Military
greement; I see no point in risking premature isunderstandings or arguments with him.
Perhaps we can leave it until after the next PD discussion to consider how much can be said to abinet colleagues, the National Executive Committee nd in public.
I am sending copies of this letter to Denis ealey, Roy Mason and Sir John Hunt.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN