CONFIDENTIAL
2ND DRAFT
continued to intercept and shadow Russian aircraft entering NATO
airspace to the north and north west of the United Kingdom.
Border Policing
45.
Under the terms of the Potsdam Agreement, sorties by Lightning
fighter aircraft of RAF Germany and patrols mounted by BAOR have
continued to play a full part in the aerial and ground policing of
the border between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German
Democratic Republic.
Hydrography
46.
Survey vessels of the Royal Navy have continued their surveying
and charting operations, providing essential navigational information
for defence purposes and commercial shipping interests.
Agreements
have been reached with the French and Dutch Hydrographers over areas
of surveying responsibilities. to avoid duplication of effort.7
In April 1974, survey vessels of the Royal Navy began a comprehensive
and systematic geophysical survey of virtually the whole of the United
Kingdom continental shelf. The survey is being carried out in close
co-operation with the Institute of Geological Sciences under the
joint aegis of the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Energy.7
This will provide the Government with information necessary to
ensure the effective exploitation of our sea-bed resources.
Fishery Protection
47. Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels, a fast patrol boat.
helicopters and aircraft have maintained fishery protection patrols
in home waters. Frigates, assisted by Royal Air Force aircraft and
supported by Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, operated to protect British
trawlers fishing on the high seas during the fisheries dispute with
Iceland. The British Government welcomes the interim settlement
reached in November 1973, which offers the prospect of a new and happier
chapter in our relationship with a NATO ally.
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CONFIDENTIAL