CONFIDENTIAL
Belize, there are very strong additional reasons for its continued presence in the area deriving from our firm commitment or stability in the Caribbean, which is seen by the US as an essential part of burdensharing. The role of the WIGS has in fact expanded in recent years not least in respect of the fight against drug trafficking and its withdrawal would not be understood by our main friends in the area.
7.
There are of course a number of other matters
regarding out of area commitments such as the Hong Kong Garrison, and the future of the Gurkhas
-
on which close
and full consultation between our two departments is vital and will I am sure continue.
8. I am copying this minute to the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary in the Treasury, and to Sir Robin
Butler.
CONFIDENTIAL