TNAG-0476-FCO40-541-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 79

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b.

C.

d.

and who play only a minor role in the Alliance's maritime

strategy. Our ability to contribute effectively to the

defence of the Eastern Atlantic area would be virtually

destroyed and we would have lost a distinctive maritime

role which enables us, alone among the active members of

NATO, effectively to share with the Americans the main

burden of NATO's maritime defence.

The Army. The Army would have to be re-shaped to a

lightly-armed UK-based force, essentially for home defence,

very doubtfully recruitable by voluntary means. There

would be no British troops deployed forward on the

Continent, and a very reduced capability to deal with

Northern Ireland.

Royal Air Force. The Royal Air Force would be forced to

abandon certain roles and capabilities entirely, for

example, long range maritime patrol, flexibility in area

air defence, and the remaining VC10 aircraft; and to

reduce the MRCA programme even further.

Procurement Executive. There would be wholesale

disruption of industry and of the Procurement Executive,

which would have to be completely restructured to meet

the lower level of demand. It is possible that by 1983/4

the position could be stabilised, and a new R&D base

rebuilt at about 60% of the present size during the

first half of the 19808.

Military Consequences

121. The severity of the measures necessary to reach the Baseline

level, including those listed under Option D, and even more 30 to

reach the Fourth level, is aggravated by the need to achieve major

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