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NATO operations.
is at Annex H.
Further detail of the UK's C31 capabilities
International
52. Allied and International Operations.
operations conducted in support of Defence Agreements are likely to proceed from the basis of a common understanding, but in general are liable to be complicated by differences of national interest and policy. Until such basic factors as command relationships and ROE can be agreed operations should be conducted separately, in defined national areas or by tasks, rather than in integrated allied forces. However, the standardization and interoperability developed under the aegis of NATO will facilitate tactical co-operation and should be fostered, as should that produced in the land forces forum of ABCA. The conduct of bi-or multi-lateral training and exercises with potential allies will also enhance effectiveness and contribute to deterrence, though continuing care will be needed in such activities with US forces to avoid
the appearance of having declined from ally into auxiliary. At the political level, as noted earlier both the EC and the WEU offer possible fora for European collaboration, of which the latter seems likely to be the more effective, at least in the initial years.
53.
Public Information. There will need to be a coherent public information policy developed for each situation across the spectrum of military activity OOA. In this context, the spread of portable satellite TV transmitters will reduce HMG's
level of control of information. This will have implications for the maintenance of popular support at home especially if British casualties are being sustained, since both sides' reportage would have direct access to the public. Procedural methods of control may no longer suffice for British news
media, and the movements of all journalists will need to be controlled closely in operational areas. Furthermore,
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