See reply
SECRET
Brice
Mr Stuart, HKIOD Mr Hickman, SWPD Mr Wright, MED Mr Goodison, SEED Mr Thomas, SWED Mr Carless, LAD
Mr Cox, WIAD
Mr Weston, Caribbean Dept.
Mr Chalmers, SAD
Mr Ewans, EAD
Mr Squire, SEAD
cc Mr Thomson o.r.
Mr McLaren, WOD Mr Westbrook
153)
DEFENCE REVIEW NON-NATO COMMITMENTS
1.
GRA
A Parliamentary statement on the Defence Review now seems likely to be made on 21 November. Before the statement is made it will be necessary to send messages to the non-NATO governments concerned informing them that the Review has now reached the stage at which Her Majesty's Government will wish to consult those of their Allies whose interests will be directly affected, and proposing specific arrangements for consultation. The present intention is to despatch the messages by telegram on 20 November.
2.
I should be grateful for your advice by 1 November on the level at which the messages should be delivered, bearing local considerations in mind. In the meantime you may wish to put the drafting in hand. Depending on the outcome of the Cabinet Meeting on 31 October, the drafts may be required next week.
29 October 1974
RCB. Commer
RL B Cormack Defence Department
A
SECRET