TNAG-0757-FCO40-961-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 21

SECRET

ANNEX A to

DP 1777346) (Proliminary Draft) (Continued)

19. Africa currently provides the Soviet Union with most oppor-

tunities for realising their long term aim of shifting the

balance of forces in the world in their favour.

Since 1975 they

have to a large extent employed the Cuban Armed Forces to assist

them in working in support of indigenous African governments and

revolutionary movements. Recognising this HMG has evolved a

policy towards Africa (12) which Ministers consider should help to

reduce Soviet influence or penetration. Ministers have approved

an increase in training of Military personnel by the UK both

because of the importance of the Armed Forces in most African

countries and to enable these countries to maintain security

without the nood for intervention. The scope and impact of this

significant, additional Priority Two Commitment have yet to be

addressed.

་

20. In the Middle East, the CENTO region poses a barrier to

Soviet expansion towards the Indian Ocean. Soviet influence is

a destabilising factor inimical to Western interests. and

Pakistan has serious doubts about the military effectiveness of

the Alliance. It is assessed (13) that the current UK military

contribution to CENTO (principally a contribution to the Central

Military Planning Staff and a declining contribution to the

annual exercise programme) is the minimum necessary to indicate

that the UK supports the Alliance. The developing Anglo-Iranian

relationship and an increasing need to match Soviet activity with

a perceived Western military presence in the Cento region suggest

that the UK military contribution should be increased. This

coul could be achieved by undertaking a limited CENTO reinforcement

Notes:

12.

CP(78)66 (Held by DS 12 Cabinet Section). 13. DP 19/78(C)(Draft)(To be issued).

$VERES