TNAG-0480-FCO40-545-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 158

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CONFIDENTIAL

Reference.....AN..10/2.

Mr. Jackson (Defence Department)

Copies: Mr. Larmour

Mr. Male

Mr. Cox (WIAD)

Mr. Champion (G&GD) Mr. Stuart (HKIOD)✓ Mr. Bullock (PDTD) Mr. Carless (LAD) Mr. Duff

Mr. Westbrook (Defence Department) Mr. Doble (Defence Department)

DEFENCE REVIEW: NON-NATO COMMITMENTS

1.

I have now seen Mr. Cox's minute of 20 November to you.

2.

Since the statement on 3 December will not mention the Caribbean I confess that I cannot see any urgent need to inform Governments in the West Indies area. Any enquirers could be told that the future of the Royal Naval presence in the West Indies is still being considered.

3. But if, nevertheless, it is agreed that Governors/Premiers/ Executive Councils of dependent territories in the Caribbean area are to be informed on or about 2 December of the proposed reductions in the West Indies station then I must ask that Bermuda be included in the exercise.

4. In that case I would be grateful if the draft telegram to all WIAD Governors, which was attached to Mr. Cox's minute, could also be addressed to Hamilton.

21 November, 1974.

M. P. Preston

Caribbean Department

CONFIDENTIAL