South Atlantic
CONFIDENTIAL
5. So far as the South Atlantic is concerned, we must, of course keep all aspects of our defence commitment under review in the light of changing circumstances. I have noted your specific comments about HMS ENDURANCE. We are already discussing this issue separately, and I shall be writing further as soon as we have the results of the structural survey.
Belize
6.
Although our long term objective remains withdrawal from Belize, I agree that this would be very difficult in advance of a settlement. I, of course, share your hopes that there will be an early settlement although the real prospects of this are still unclear and even if there is a settlement, there may be major pressures for some form of longer term reassurance. Against this background, we are conducting a review of the approach to the future of the commitment as a whole, looking beyond any settlement but also looking for some early savings, even in advance of a settlement. Your department is being consulted and we will follow up the ideas in your minute. I hope to put forward proposals early next year,
after I have had the recommendations of the Chiefs of Staff. This review will also have implications for our naval presence in the Caribbean, including the West Indies Guardship whose prime role at present is in relation to Belize, although it also performs other valuable tasks which will need to be taken into account.
Other Areas
7. As for the other specific areas mentioned in your minute, I can assure you that Cyprus and Gibraltar will be kept under review - we have already made major reductions in Gibraltar, with the withdrawal
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CONFIDENTIAL
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