TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 62

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a more civilised relationship between the countries of Europe, built

upon trust rather than suspicion and upon actions rather than words.

21. After an initial meeting of Foreign Ministers in July 1973.

where the f u 1 1 agenda was agreed, detailed discussions began

in Geneva during the following September. The Conference covers

a wide range of major issues, including political and military

security; commercial, economic and technological co-operation;

and measures designed to increase contacts anong people and the

freer flow of information and ideas.

In

22. The discussions about the military aspects of security have

concentrated on measures designed to increase confidence in

Europe about the military intentions of other participants.

this area of discussions, as throughout the Conference, we have

been working closely with our NATO Allies. We have been seeking

detailed arrangements for the prior notification on a voluntary

basis of major military manoeuvres and movements and the exchange of observers at military manoeuvres.

23. Progress on the central issues of the Conference has been slow. Many of the subjects have never before been the subject of multi- lateral discussion and most participants are not prepared to ammee to declarations of intent which are unsupported by tangible measures to implement these good intentions. The Conference is therefore

seeking to give practical effect to the common desire for détente. The Government believes that given sufficient progress on outstanding issues the third stage of the Conference should be held at summit level as soon as possible. The Government also believes that arrangements should be made to assess progress made in putting the decisions of the Conference into practical effect, and on this basis ensure that the multilateral dialogue begun at the Conference should continue.

24. A Conference of this kind cannot, of course, solve all of Europe's problems of security and co-operation. But as a result

of protracted and hard negotiations, we hope that the Conference will reach agreement on specific measures which will help to lower barriers in Europe, contribute to growing understanding between

Fast and West, and increase confidence among all European states

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