Specialisation and Standardisation, and have been very
interested in the US, 'Matrix' study for rationalisation in NATO. However, all this will of course require much detailed study in the Alliance, but none of the three concepts offer any early or simple alleviation of our equipment and support
costs.
Conclusions.
33.
Gentlemen, those are the proposals for the re-shaping
of our defence effort. NATO has been given the over-riding
priority and we believe that these proposals will maintain
NATO strategy. We have not tried to preserve the full
range of our present commitments with lesser quality or
skeleton forces. We have preferred to retain well-equipped,
high-quality forces, and we have concentrated them in those
areas of NATO where we believe they can make the most effective
contribution.
34.
We think it important that our Allies should see our
proposals in this light and, in particular, we would value
your support in convincing then that our reductions are
not likely to undermine NATO's ability to maintain both
its strategy and combat effectiveness. This presentation
is only the start of the process of bilateral consultation
between us. To assist in this process, we will now provide
you with a data book of our planned reductions, and will
of course make available any staff level presentations and
discussions you may require in amplification.
16
SECRET UK EYES A