SECRET UK EYES A
with the Thais, though not substantial, are good and concentrate on potential Defence Sales.
6.
UK links with Malaysia continue to be dominated by the FPDA and support for the major Defence procurement programme inaugurated in 1988. Several high level reciprocated visits have ensured Defence relations continue to be excellent and are set to develop well in the coming years. Significantly, the deployment of the naval task group ORIENT 92 to participate in the large FPDA exercises next September will provide a timely demonstration of our commitment to regional security and stability as the planning process for withdrawal from Hong Kong continues. The excellent relations between the British and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) continued in 1990/91, with several high ranking and reciprocated visits. SAF's expansion continues; officers are expert and equipment is sophisticated. SAF has recently formed a Rapid Reaction Force, the projected use of which is subject to some speculation in-theatre and could cause Malaysian apprehension. In the interests of its own security and regional stability, Singapore has taken the lead in offering the use of military facilities to US forces. The Singapore Government also continues to advocate the development of the FPDA into a more militarily-structured and operational organization in an effort to bind external powers more firmly into providing its protection should the need arise. The UK maintains a wide range of defence interests in Brunei and will do so for the foreseeable future; they connect with the UK's broader relationship with Brunei and traditionally close bi- lateral links including trade. To this end, in November 1990, HMG signed a new agreement to continue to station a Gurkha battalion in the Sultanate until September 1998. The full costs of the garrison continue to be met by the Sultan.
1.
Although Indonesia's priorities are presently economic, aimed at strengthening national "resilience", it is the national objective that the country's armed forces (ABRI) will be developed as and when resources
resources become available. Given its strategic position, burgeoning diplomatic respectability and economic potential, Indonesia will be in a strong position to exert regional influence following any reduction of superpower presence in the area.
8.
With the continued internal
internal security campaign and an increasingly fragile governing regime, the Philippines harbours the most potential for instability in an otherwise predominantly stable area. Defence relations remained insubstantial during 1990/91 and the present DA will not be replaced in 1992. For the future, gradual dilution of the US presence in the area could lead to a re-ordering of the region's strategic balance.
MILITARY ASSISTANCE
9.
Singapore continues to place much store on British military training and has sought every opportunity to capitalize our expertise. From the UK perspective, we value the professional contribution made by its officers at
by its
our staff In addition to the British Garrison, 72 LSP are
on
courses.
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C-3 SECRET UK EYES A