SECRET UK EYES A
JP Noto 201/75(0)(Ureliminary Draft) (Continued)
However, as the redeployment of the battalion is dependant
on decisions concerning the Hong Kong garrison the post- ponement would be administratively convenient, particularly
as the Sultan pays the full cost of the battalion while it
is on his territory. Further negotiations with the Sultan
are planned for March 1975, and until the outcome of these
are known detailed planning is impractical. Other withdrawal
plans are not affected.
Singapore
15. The Prime Minister of New Zealand has requested that we
consider extending our rundown until the end of 1976.
Although no reply has been given planning continues for withdrawal by 1 April 1976.7 Bilateral UK/NZ talks are being held in Singapore in February to discuss the disengagement
of our mutual logistic arrangements and the possibility of some
UK personnel remaining in Singapore until
December 1976_7 to
assist the New Zealanders to set up a national logistic organisation. 7
Gan
16.
Although withdrawal from Gan will in itself pose
few problems it will depend to a degree upon the programme
for removing our forces from Singapore and will necessitate other
arrangements for the support of Hong Kong. The Prime Minister
of the Maldives took the news without apparent surprise although
6
SECRET UK EYES A