CONFIDENTIAL
Nato commitments in the Mediterranean
28. The Government has decided that it cannot in future continue
to commit British forces to the Mediterranean in support of NATO.
It has therefore decided that after 1976 no destroyers, frigates
or coastal minesweepers will be earmarked for assignment to NATO
in the area; and that between 1977 and 1979 the RAF Nimrods and
Canberras at present committed to NATO there will be withdrawn.
29. The Government of Malta has been informed that HMG proposes
to arrange for the run-down of the British forces in Malta between
1 April 1977 and 31 March 1979, when the Military Facilities
Agreement expires.
Government reactions to NATO's suggestions
30. During our consultations with our NATO Allies they have asked
us to consider measures to compensate for the effect of our
reductions on NATO's capability, particularly in the ACLANT/ACCHAN
area and on the Northern and Southern flanks of Allied Command
Europe. The Government is prepared to do so on the clear
understanding that all of Britain's defence commitments and
capabilities must be met from within the total of resources which
the Government decided last December it could in future allocate
to defence.
31. On this basis the Government is ready to make the following
changes in the details of its original proposals, to help meet the
main points of NATO concern:
(a) to convert HMS Hermes to the anti-submarine role in 1976,
instead of 1978;
(b) to earmark for assignment to CINCHAN the Royal Fleet
Auxiliary Engadine, carrying helicopters in the anti-
submarine role;
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CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL