CONFIDENTIAL
evident undesirability of any rerercussions
for the DCA, are points to which full
recognition has been paid in the MOD's
consideration of policy for further
consultations with Brunei; but Hong Kong
aspects have not been seen as overriding
HMG's agreed policy of seeking to end our
political and military commitment to Brunei.
The final outcome of the negotiations
with the Sultan cannot of course be
preäicted - nor indeed can timing, since
there is now some uncertainty as to whether
it will be possible to bring ratters to any
conclusion this Summer bu: the essential
question is not whether we withdraw from
Brunei but when. Although it is not
impossible that withdrawal. could be
deferred for some years if that were the key
to an otherwise satisfactory agreement, it
rerains HMG's first position to seek early
withdrawal (which in practice means 1979) in
any negotiations that in fact take place this Eny nesptation our ey
year.
As to consultation with the Hong Kong Government, these have been envisaged as being
limited to prior notice of the date of withdrawal
from Brunei and discussions on its implications
for Hong Kong's security requirement,
icluding if necessary detailed study of
reinforcement options and stationed force
levels.
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