TNAG-0476-FCO40-541-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 205

Separate copies to:

Mr Evans

Mr de Courcy Ireland

Mr Seaward

Mr Spendlove

Mr Crowson

SECRET

∞

DEFENCE REVIEW

1. In preparation for the Defence Review Mr Thomson is having prepared in Defence Department a paper on the political implications of the curtailment of British defence commitments outside NATO. The purpose is not to set out arguments for or against the curtailment or abandonment of particular commitments, but to assess the political consequences which might flow from curtailment or abandonment and to suggest ways in which the resulting damage might be reduced. A copy of the introduction on existing commitments as they affect our area is attached, together with my off-the-cuff re-draft of the discussion part of the paper on Hong Kong, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, Brunei, Gan and Nepal. The original draft was not acceptable even as a working basis.

2.

I have given the Departments separately the drafts of the passages on SEATO and Korea and would be grateful if they would prepare amended drafts as soon as possible.

9 April 1974

Copy to:

Mr Wilford

SECRET

E Youde

M. Study & ace R.

Capped with Me Youde Саркил

Mr Smith).

Mw

12.1 Couve 10/

"7259) Dd.897459 250m 12/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863 (16941) Dd.897300 250m 9/72 G.W.B.Ltd.

Gp.863