9 In theory, there are a number of alternatives to the
Australian proposals.
The Australians examined several of
these in their policy review and rejected them.
10 and 11).
Conclusions and Recommendations
(Paragraphs
10 The Australian proposals offer economic and social
benefits, but politically there are some disadvantages:
Singapore and Malaysia are likely to be upset, the former
especially, and there is some risk that the mid-point
countries concerned would gang up to block the scheme -
the more so if they believed that Australia and the UK were
ganging up on them. It is difficult to predict how they
would react in advance of any approach to them and thus
difficult to decide how to respond to the Australians.
It would be premature to give the Australians the commitment
in principle for which they are asking. On the other hand,
to turn down the proposal at this stage would provoke a
sharp reaction from the Australians and would have an
adverse effect on our bilateral air service and perhaps
wider relations with them. It would be best to be reasonably
forthcoming, provided that we preserve the ability to
retreat if the reaction of third countries is tough and in
particular if they gang up to block the scheme.
11 We recommend that the Australians should as soon as
possible be given a written answer on the lines of the
attached draft. The reference to introducing the scheme
"in an orderly and acceptable manner" is deliberately
ambiguous.