SECRET
12
Mr Masefield, Planning Staff
POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE CURTAILMENT OF BRITISH DEFENCE COMMITMENTS OUTSIDE NATO
1.
I have the following further comments on the paper enclosed with Mr Thomson's minute of 11 April.
(i)
Para. 3 A) Hong Kong. Under "Functional Cost" add "(of which Hong Kong contributes about £8 million per year see paragraph 12 below)". Without this addition the figure for Hong Kong is not, for example, comparable with the Functional Cost given for the Gurkha Brigade in Brunei where the contribution by the Sultan is set against the total to give a nil cost.
(ii)
Para. 3 E) Indian Ocean Dependent Territories. There is some confusion in the draft text between Seychelles end BICT. I suggest sorting this out as follows:
"E) Indian Ocean Dependent Territories The UK is of course committed to the defence of these dependent territories, but at present no specific forces are required for this purpose. The separate colony of Seychelles is likely to become independent in the relatively near future. This will end the commitment to it unless a defcnce agreement is concluded with the independent government. The islands of BIOT (none of which have permanent inhabitants) are a more permanent commitment. Under the British Indian Ocean Territory Agreement with the US of 1966, they are available to meet the possible defence needs of the UK and the US. There are valuable facilities on the island of Diego Garcia, which are shared with the Americans, who pay for them.
(iii)
#1
Para. 11, first line. insert "against China".
(iv)
After "indefensible"
Para. 12, fifth line. After "the garrison" insert "or to ask Hong Kong to meet a greater proportion of the cost". I propose this because an increased defence contribution, either absolutely or
proportionately, is an option which needs at least to be examined. This point was made in the letter of 5 april from Hansford of the Treasury to Mayne in DS22.
(v)
11
Para. 13, third line. After "there should be no" insert premature". Without this the sentence is rather difficult to understand.
17 April 1974
Сс
Mr Thomson
Mr Larmour
Mr Youde
Ocstras
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian
Ocean Dept.
Mr Jackson, Defence Dept.
SECHET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.