TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 46

CONFIDENT I AL

CONFIDENTIAL

Region is already a cause for serious concern as a result of the

weakening of indigenous forces, the instability of the area, and

its exposed position vis-à-vis Soviet penetration and the possible

repercussions of conflicts in neighbouring theatres. The aband on-

ment of British force commitments to NATO in the Mediterranean

would (apart from their military implications) leave the United

States as the only non-Mediterranean country to maintain a

permanent presence there.

There is the danger that these moves

would be regarded by the Soviet Union, and perhaps by some sectors

of our own public opinion as well, as a weakening of NATO's resolve

and purpose in defending the Southern Region; this cannot but

affect the solidarity of the Alliance, on which its security so

largely depends. The scale of politico-military damage which

could result from such withdrawals seems scarcely commensurate

with the savings expected.

7. Grave considerations of a similar nature which are spelled

out in detail in the military assessments apply in the Northern

Region, where the security of NATO territory has traditionally

depended heavily on the deterrent effect of external reinforcement,

to which the "nited Kingdom is now proposing to make a significant

reduction. This also applies to the Maritime Commands.

8. The Defence Planning Committee is glad to note that no

significant reductions are envisaged in the Central Region in

advance of an MBFR agreement, and that certain increases in the

air support available for this area are planned; they hope, however,

to receive more information in due course on the reorganisation

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CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL