}
Х
on membership of NATO, probably in 1985: this may
coincide with the process of ratification of Spain's
treaty of accession to the Community if the present
timetable is adhered to. A further task is to try to
convert Gibraltar from a garrison town into something
closer to economic viability.
15.
In the Falkland Islands the physical requirements
are clear: to deter an attack, to construct an airfield
and to implement the useful parts of the Shackleton
Report. The diplomatic task meanwhile is to contain
international support for the Argentine claim at a
level that does not damage Britain's interests
elsewhere in Latin America or with other friends,
partners and allies.
16. We must also find an early way of terminating our
anomalous semi-commitment to Belize.
17. Other post-imperial problems over the next 5 years
could include the following:
(i) Brunei. We cease to be responsible for Brunei's
external affairs and give up our consultative
defence role at the end of this year. But a
to remain
battalion of British Gurkhas is [likely to in Brunei for the next 5 years [and
and we shall need
to ensure that we retain full control over their
CONFIDENTIAL
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