SECRET UKEB
Defence Vote) which were required. But Cyprus is the most explosive area in Europe and we could not withdraw without incurring the gravest dangers for the Alliance as a whole, as our Allies would be quick to point out. We would also need to seek some arrangements for retaining the invaluable intelligence facilities, which would then continually be at risk. In short this is not a practicable solution, any more than withdrawal from Gibraltar would be.
7. We therefore have little real option but to stand by the position suggested in paragraphs and 5 above. Even that should perhaps be dependent on our being satisfied that the decisions on the shape of our NATO-orientated effort are the right ones.
8.
There are many loose ends in this very rapid list of suggestions. But I should be very grateful for any comments you can make. For background you might like to be reminded of the Secretary of State's comments (copy attached) on the Planning Committee's original recommendations on FCO policy in the Defence Review.
4 July 1974
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UKEB
Teddy
J E Jackson
Jacke
Defence Department
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