1
Sultan of Oman. As we have already announced, we intend to enter
into negotiations with the South African Government with a view to
terminating the Simonstown Agreement.
7.
We recognise that some of these decisions have implications for
our interests and the interests of our friends in the Indian Ocean area,
where the further expansion of the Soviet naval presence cannot be.
disregarded. We have accordingly decided to agree to proposals from
the United States Government for a relatively modest expansion of the
facilities on the island of Diego Garcia which they enjoy under an
existing agreement with Her Majesty's Government.
We ourselves will
benefit from these facilities since we shall be able to use them.
i
circumstances should arise which were other than normal, the use of
the facilities would be a matter for joint decision.
We and the
United States Government will pursue consultations with the aim of
developing realistic progress toward arms limitation in the Indian
Ocean area.
}
If
+
Page 195Page 196