TNAG-0479-FCO40-544-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 30

SECRET

- 2 -

give details of all our proposed withdrawals from specific commitments

overseas. But I am clear that the statement should refer to our

intention to contract our world-wide role and concentrate on NATO,

and I should like it to specify the ending of at least some of the

non-NATO commitments. In some cases our decisions will be no

surprise to the governments concerned and a statement timed for

3 December would leave open the option (which we do not need to settle

now) of an approach to them through diplomatic channels a few days

before so that our decisions could be incorporated into the statement.

I am sending copies of this minute to the other members of

OPD, and the Chief Whip and Sir John Hunt.

11 November 1974

SECRET

Hw

!

Page 30Page 31