Protection of Sitimning
SECRET
(Coat *mited)
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27. Since 1975 many states have extended jurisdiction over waters
off their coasts. For example, on the African coast,
Somalia and Guinea have claimed a 200 mile territorial sea,
Tonzania has claimed 50 miles and Mozambique claims a 200 mile
Exclusive Economic Zone. Each of these countries possess
patrol craft capable of interfering with shipping on the High Seas.
Very little sophistication in the way of ships, aircraft or
weapons is necessary to pose a threat to Merchant shipping,
particularly oil tankera. All that is required is the capability
te deliver some form of incendiary or explosive charge. This
potential capability to interfere with strategic oil supplies
is disturbing to Western nations as there is no effective
plan for the Protection of Shipping outside the NATO area. The
UK have been invited to participate in contingency rlamming with
the US and France, for the protection of shipping around Africa
and Ministerial approval is awaited 7
28. Whereas there are neither ships or Maritime Patrol Aircraft
(MPA) available to permit the UK to commit forces to any plan
which may be developsù, the UK could contribute manpower and
communications for the Control of Shipping, an important
ingredient of the concept of protection.
A 18
SECRICT