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them, although there had been no specifically British initiative. the result of the "Harmel Exercise" would reflect ideas which were mainly British in origin. But there was a better chance of securing their

acceptance if they emerged from an exercise sponsored by one of the

smaller members of the Alliance, than if they appeared to be the result

of a purely British initiative.

(b) In deciding on further moves to shift the emphasis of our defence policy towards Europe account should be taken of the risk of arousing

concern in the United States and among the Far Eastern members of the Commonwealth without any compensating advantage in Europe.

The Committee

Took note of OPD(67) 87.

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