D$11/1/1/3
CONNUENTIAL
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sules 391
iC SWORD SEAD
Head of DS 5 Head of DS 6
Head of DS 8
FCO (Defence Department) (Mr Jackson)
Copy to:
AUS(D Staff)
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DEFENCE DEBATE
comments pse (if any) to der Westbrook (auto 712) by 1500 kn Today
In
REBCommer
9/12
PS/S of S in his minute of 4th December (not to FCO) asked for contributions to a draft opening speech. particular AUS(D Staff) was asked to provide a passage at paragraph 59 covering all the places in which we have a military interest outside NATO, and at paragraph 116 a progress report on consultations with non-NATO allies and partners.
2.. I attach two drafts and would be grateful for your comments. I do not believe that we should attempt to cover all the places listed. I have therefore concen- trated on those where we can say something positive either as to why we are staying, or that we are with- drawing. It is difficult to go beyond the Parliamentary Statement, but I have done the best I can and should br grateful if you would confirm that I have not been too forthcoming. On the other places I think we should not volunteer any comment in the opening speech, but deal with the inevitable questions in defensive briefing for later speakers.. This particularly applies to Oman and Diego Garcia. May I have your comments please by 5 pm Monday 9th December. The draft of paragraph 116 will clearly need to be up-dated nearer the end of the week if the consultation programme becomes more definite by then.
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6 December 1974
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CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
by Mr Mason. I chefre
suggest no
comment from us
DK in 9/12
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