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3. FPDA. The decisions to retain the consultative commitment
and some military links and not to withdraw precipitately have
been welcomed. But Mr Rowling has asked for the completion of
withdrawal to be delayed until the end of 1976 rather than April
of that year to ease New Zealand's logistic support problems.
We expect to reach a compromise of providing a small amount of
assistance until the end of 1976 without a major change to the
withdrawal timetable. We cannot, however, continue to provide
a detachment of Nimrod aircraft to which Malaysia, Australia and
the US attach importance as the financial and operational
penalties are too great. Further official level talks about our
proposed withdrawal are planned for mid February.
4. Brunei. The first indications are that, as expected, the
Sultan will oppose the withdrawal of the Gurkha battalion.
He
arrives in London for talks on 20 February.
Indian Ocean
5. Gan. Mr Zaki was gently prepared during his visit to London
last November and took the news without apparent surprise though
he was naturally concerned about the economic consequences.
Detailed discussions about the phasing of the run down of Gan will
take place as soon as possible.
6. Mauritius. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam came to London in
December and appeared fairly relaxed about our withdrawal but
professed concern at how to keep the Russians out. He has yet to
state whether he would like to retain the Defence Agreement.
Caribbean
7. There should be no problems about withdrawal of the two
frigates and the reduction of SNOWI's headquarters by 1 April 1976,
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