TNAG-0757-FCO40-961-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 108

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fulfil our promises in future. We see no alternative to maintaining our present LSP commitment to Brunei. We would have to submit to Ministers any proposed reductions which the RAF consider unavoidable.

Oman

6. Mr Mulley has said that we should be flexible in our plans to phase out LSP officers from Oman by 1981. However, it appears that the Omanis are not having much success in meeting their pilot requirements from the contract market. In the interests of our relations with Cman; we should avoid making difficulties for the Sultan by pressing to withdraw our personnel before he has found adequate replacements. However, we would see no harm in reminding the Omanis that LSPs are provided only where contract personnel have not been found to fill the posts. We think the RAF should be guided by Mr Mulley's minute MO 5/4 of 27 June.

7.

We will be in touch again on Kuwait.

Cc:

Mr Staff, HK&GD

Mr Major, MED

Mr Longmire, SEAD

CA Munro

Defence Department

CONFIDENTIAL