6195 D073528 400M 2/74 Cr.P.C. 839;3
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry
No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret,
Confidential.
Restricted.
Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
Jpn kew
29/x
In Confidence
SECRET
DRAFT SI EAKING NOTE
Type 1 +
To:
FROM
Telephone No. Ext,
Department
DRAFT SI-EAKING NOTE
THE DEFENCE REVIEW: CONSULTATION WITH THE UNIT, STATES
OFENING STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF THE CABINET
Background
1.
A
1
Although the precise timing of the British
Defence Review was dictated by domestic political
considerations, some such detailed and thorough
examination of the whole range of our defence
commitments and contributions was overdue on both
military and economic grounds. Indeed, it was
historically necessary. it is only the third such
detailed review since the post 1945 run-down, and in
sense represents the logical culmination of the
process of rationalisation begun in the 1967
readjustment.
Britain is in the process of adjusting
itself politically and psychologically to a nev role
as an influential middle-rank power without post-
imperial pretensions. The Suez traume of the min
50's, and the economic difficulties of the mid 60's
accelerated the process, but until now our defence
posture has not been brought fully into line with
the realities of our national, economic and political
It therefore made sense now to ensure
position.
that, by a fundamental review of the continuing
rationale for all aspects of our defence forces,
uneri. GPCKPE
/end