SECRET
MBFR
8.
It is stated in the paper (para 7 (c)) that we would
take maximum advantage of any NATO reductions in land forces
negotiated in MBFR. The Secretary of State may wish to
underline the importance of avoiding unilateral reductions
in BAOR in advance of an IBFR agreement. To make such
reductions would undermine the Allied negotiating position
in MBFR and severely diminish, if not destroy, the chances
of securing a satisfactory agreement with the Warsaw Pact.
The effect on our relations with our Allies would also be
serious and far-reaching.
CONSULTATION
9.
The Defence Secretary's statement announcing the
Defence Review said that "there would be full consultation
with our Allies wherever their interests are involved".
This commitment has been publicly reiterated many times and
it is essential that it should be fulfilled. The Secretary
of State will wish to make the point that: consultation must
be genuine if it is to be effective; if during the process
of consultation our NATO Allies should suggest alternative
ways of making the necessary savings we should take full
account of them. In this connexion the tone and content of
the statement to be made shortly before the formal consultations
in NATO begin will be very important. Our Allies will
understand that the future level of our defence expenditure
is not negotiable. But we must be very careful to avoid
giving the impression that final decisions about the manner
GECRET
/in which
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.