in Arano bete on the t and Swain no significant reduction
do mikateve presence vos contenylated. A rouent Study concludes (6), this where the stategic Importance of Gabraltar is concerned UK and NATO interentь ore identical and that while sovereignty
over Gibralter rests with the UK IMG has a responsibility to NATO CO
take whatever stops are scapegary to make best use of the Strategie
position of the dependency. NATO have identified propaald which
at a cent of some 641 million would enhance capability to keep the
Strafe of Gibrelies open for the movement of reinforcements and
supplies by sea to the Southern Region. UK relations with Spain
over Gilad bar have improved in recent years but not to the point
where further significant reductions in the Gibraltar force level
can be contemplated without adverse effect on UK relations with
the danerdonoy
13.
Me: 1. The Military Facilities Agreement with Malta expires
on 31 March 1979 and will not be renewed. All forces will be will
devwn by that dute.
14. Cyprus. In 1974 Ministers agreed that their long term aim
was to withdraw from Cyprus. In April 1978, recognising, inter-
alia,
they ruled (7)
They
Con..
that the decision to withdraw was to romain in suspense.
decided that some reduction in the UK presence was desirable.
centration in the Western Sovereign Base Area (SBA) was considered
to be the best method of achieving this.
No docisions to implement
a withdrawal from the Eastern SBA is likely before April 1979 and
Notes:
8.
t
DP14/78(C) (Draft)
Dor(78) 4th Meeting.
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 3(4) OF THE
A
10
1. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT