TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 115

CONFIDENTIAL

Nato commitments in the Mediterranean

28. The Government has decided that it cannot in future continue

to commit British forces to the Mediterranean in support of NATO.

It has therefore decided that after 1976 no destroyers, frigates

or coastal minesweepers will be earmarked for assignment to NATO

in the area; and that between 1977 and 1979 the RAF Nimrods and

Canberras at present committed to NATO there will be withdrawn.

29. The Government of Malta has been informed that HMG proposes

to arrange for the run-down of the British forces in Malta between

1 April 1977 and 31 March 1979, when the Military Facilities

Agreement expires.

Government reactions to NATO's suggestions

30. During our consultations with our NATO Allies they have asked

us to consider measures to compensate for the effect of our

reductions on NATO's capability, particularly in the ACLANT/ACCHAN

area and on the Northern and Southern flanks of Allied Command

Europe. The Government is prepared to do so on the clear

understanding that all of Britain's defence commitments and

capabilities must be met from within the total of resources which

the Government decided last December it could in future allocate

to defence.

31. On this basis the Government is ready to make the following

changes in the details of its original proposals, to help meet the

main points of NATO concern:

(a) to convert HMS Hermes to the anti-submarine role in 1976,

instead of 1978;

(b) to earmark for assignment to CINCHAN the Royal Fleet

Auxiliary Engadine, carrying helicopters in the anti-

submarine role;

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CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL