CONFIDENTIAL
29 There are not enough ships of the type specified by the Navy
(large high-powered deep-sea trawlers) in the British fleet to meet
the Navy's demand for
for auxiliary minesweepers. The Ministry of
Defence are evaluating the suitability of other types of ships which
may be able to meet the requirements.
30 There are still enough suitable product tankers in the required
size ranges to meet the Navy's specialised needs, but the margins
are small, and the indications are that before long the need for
20-30,000 dwt ships will not be capable of being met by UK
registered ships. The Ministry of Defence are urgently considering
the position.
31 The Ministry of Defence have recently stated a requirement for
heavy-lift vessel. There is no such vessel on
on UK registry or
otherwise under UK control.
The Ministry of Defence is
negotiating with another NATO nation to meet this requirement.
Trans-Atlantic Rapid Reinforcement
The
32 Most members of the Alliance would contribute to the trans-
Atlantic rapid reinforcement fleet, according to their resources,
ability to meet the requirement is an Alliance matter.
requirements are expressed in terms of range, size, and speed,
varying with different types of vessel. The UK's present commitment
is 122 ships, the largest contribution to the non-USA total of 573.
Annual location tests of the Alliance ships identified as suitable
for this task are carried out.
CONFIDENTIAL
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