TNAG-0477-FCO40-542-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 158

SECRET UKEB

Reference....

Mr Jackson (Defence Department)

DEFENCE REVIEW:

BELIZE

CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH ATLANTIC

1. I agree with the implication in the Paper (DSWP(P)55) that the best reasonable guess is that the garrison will be required in Belize at least until 1978/79, but may not be required until 1983/84. I also agree that it would not make military sense to reduce the garrison below its present level so long as its presence is required.

FALKLAND ISLANDS

2.

I do not agree with the implication in the Paper that the detachment in the Falkland Islands could be removed. The costs and therefore the savings fore- gone by maintaining the detachment are however minimal.

3. Naturally, if we are able to achieve political solutions in these two places, we shall be able to give up the military commitment without pain and without turpitude. I therefore agree with the line of that in paragraph 4 of your minute of 4 July.

WTA Cox

West Indian and Atlantic

Department

F

5 July 1974

Copied to: Sir G Arthur

Mr Thomson

Mr Masefield

Mr Westbrook

Mr Elliott

Mr Stewart (HKIOD)

Mr Hickman (SWPD)

Mr Wright (MED)

Mr Goodison (SED)

Mr Preston (Caribbean Dept) Mr Squire SEAD Mr Tonkin (PUSD) Mr Tickell (WOD)

SECRET UKEB

1.