TNAG-0836-FCO40-1044-Comprehensive-Test-Ban-Treaty-national-seismic-stations-on-U-1979 — Page 65

WD

ANNEX A

NATIONAL SEISMIC STATIONS (NSS) IN THE UK AND DEPENDENT TERRITORIES: ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL LOCATIONS*

PART I: LOCATIONS PROPOSED BY THE SOVIET UNION, 27 NOVEMBER 1978

A SITES IN INDEPENDENT TERRITORIES

ALDA BRA ISLAND

1.1

In the Indian Ocean. Part of the independent Republic

Formerly part of British Indian Ocean Territory

of Seychelles.

(BIOT).

-

As a quid pro quo for the return of Aldabra and other

islands to the Seychelles on the latter's independence in June 1976,

the UK concluded an agreement with the Government restricting use

of the Seychelles for military purposes. Our objective was to

deny military access to the Soviet Union. Quite apart from the

fact that the Seychelles are independent, that objective might be

undermined if the USSR was given a foot in the door anywhere on

Seychelles territory.

1.2

Long-range verification capability poor. Close proximity

to the sea would reduce high levels of background seismic noise.

The relatively close proximity of the land masses of East Africa and

Madagascar would, moreover, significantly reduce the capability of

the site to benefit from water-borne signals. Not a possible site

for clandestine nuclear testing.

BRUNEI

2.1

A sovereign state. Until 31 December 1983 in treaty

relations with the UK, with the UK handling foreign relations.

Thereafter Brunei will assume full international responsibilities.

The Sultan is violently anti-communist and unlikely to allow Soviet

nationals on his soil.

CONFIDENTIAL

/2.2