TNAG-0479-FCO40-544-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 24

CONFIDENTIAL

12. As our commitments to the areas of NATO of greatest

significance to the Alliance are our first priority, we should

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progressively reduce our forces in other parts of the world.

Continuing the policy wc announced in 1968, we propose while retainin

our commitments under the Five Power Defence Arrangements to

withdraw most of our forces at present stationed in Singapore

and Malaysia. We shall also seek to renegotiate our Defence

Agreement with Brunei with a view to withdrawing the Gurkha

battalion we at present station there.

13. This will reduce our need for the facilities we enjoy at

Gan, and we propose to close the RAF facilities there. We

shall be discussing the future of the airfield with the Maldives

Government.

14. We are willing to maintain our undertakings under our

Defence Agreement with the Mauritian Government if they wish

us to do so. We propose to withdraw the small naval vuit

stationed in Mauritius.

15.20. Following the decisions taken by the Labour Government in

1968 our military presence in the Gulf consists mainly of some

military assistance to the Sultan of Oman in his campaign

against Communist-supported rebels inDhofar. This will continue

for the time being; we shall keep it under review in

consultation with those of our friends who have an interest in

this area.

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CONFIDENTIAL