TNAG-0055-FCO40-91-Defence-review-1977 — Page 170

TOP SECRET

When this study has been done it will be necessary to examine:

(8) The best means of presenting the proposed changes to our allies and of developing arrangements for co-operative defence.

(9) The economic effects on Singapore of any reductions in force levels and facilities and the implications both for the phasing of the reductions proposed and for the provision of economic aid.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

(10) The possibility should be examined of producing savings totalling from £20 million, £30 million and 250 million. The higher figures would require one or more major excisions in the programme such as the cancellation of one

or more major weapons system.

UNITED KINGDOM BASE

(11) To examine the size of the "teeth" forces which are required to be based

in the United Kingdom.

(12) To set in hand a series of studies of all military logistic and administrative facilities in the United Kingdom, including the Command Structure, to ensure that these are the absolute minimum necessary for the

tasks to be discharged.

ADDITIONAL STUDY ON FAR EAST

(13) To give effect to the Ministerial requirement for an appraisal of the implications of a total withdrawal from the Far East, separate studies of:-

(a) the political and strategic implications of withdrawal of our

military forces from the Far East (apart from Hong Kong) together

with an initial indication in very broad terms of the financial and other military consequences; to be submitted to Ministers

before work is put in hand on any detailed study of the military

and financial implications of such a withdrawal. As regards Hong Kong the study should examine what if any strengthening of

our forces there would be needed in these circumstances;

The political, strategic, other military and financial implications

of withdrawal from Malaysia/Singapore while retaining a minimum

military capability in the Far East theatre including the basing

of some forces in Australia. The study should assess the purpose and value of retaining such a capability.

(b)

(3)

TOP SECRET