TNAG-0480-FCO40-545-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 74

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WILL THE UK

USE OF THE ISLAND INCREASE:

The Agreement would permit

this. But there are no plans

to do so at present.

5.

OPPOSITION FROM THE LITTORAL STATES, NOTABLY INDIAN,

SRI LANKA AND

MAURITIUS.

We are, of course, aware of the views

opposition of a nuinber of Governments

on to the proposed expansion. We share thi

desire of the littoral states for

peace and stability in the Indian

Ocean and also wish to avoid super

power confrontation. But we do not

believe the modest expansion of the

facilities at Diego Garcia which is

fully justified by US, British and

Western interests in the security of

would

area;

Mill

the shipping, routes in the a

kwards

hamper progress

batm/these objectives and the search

for realistic arms limitation

arrangements.

6.

WON'T THE PROPOSED EXPANSION LEAD TO A SOVIET BUILD UP?

The fact of the matter is that the

Soviets have already built up their

forces. The Soviet naval presence

and

has increased steadily in quentity and

quality over the lost five years

is larger than that of Western countri

The modest expansion of the facilities would

on Diego Garcia will improve the US/

UK ability to support naval forces

in the area when needed. The UK and

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