SECRET
Page 28
It
Discussion then turned to the problems raised by the existing decision that the further review of our defence policy and pro granne
which was now in progress should be kept secret. The effect of this
was that the White Paper did not give a balanced background to the
decisions that might be taken as a result of the further review.
was certainly true that sone reduction would have to be made in our
forces in Germany, except in the unlikely event that their foreign exchange costs were fully covered. Equally however, reductions might
have to be made in our forces East of Suez and the way must be open
for any such reduction to be shown to be the result of the further
review and not of political pressure to change a policy indicated in
the White Paper. It was recognised that serious problems would be
raised in relation both to our allies and to the morale of the Armed
THIS Forces by indicating at this stage that a further review was in progre ss,
had led to its being kept secret. Nevertheless consideration must be given to indicating more clearly in the White Paper that a further
review was in hand.
worst of both worlds.
Otherwise there was a risk that we might get the
In further discussion it was pointed out that paragraphs 17 and 23
of the draft White Paper, which dealt with our forces in Germany, did
not define our position clearly enough and that these ought to be
brought in line with the declared position of the Government, which was
that either their foreign exchange costs must be covered or with-
drawals would have to take place after 1st July.
Summing up this part of the discussion THE PRIME MINISTER said
that the White Paper should be revised in the light of the Comittee's
discussion and should be further considered by the Committee before
it was circulated to the Cabinet. In revising the chapter, the aim
should be a document of more limited scope with a shorter and less
forthright section dealing with the revision of NATO strategy and with
sufficient indication of the further defence studies now in hand to
prepare the way for the decisions to which these might lead on the
strength and deployment of our forces outside Europe. It might also
be desirable to give fuller info mation in this Part of the reorganisation of the Ministry of Defence in consequence of the new Ministerial appointments, rather than restrict this to Part II.
amendments which members of the Committee might have to suggest should
be sent urgently to the Defence Secretary for incorporation in the
redraft.
Other
6
SECRET
Page 28
Page 28
(97792)
(97792)