8.
SECRET UK EYES A
to combat the growing drug-related threat to the west in
general and the USA in particular. To meet rising concern
on the issue, new and comprehensive mechanisms have been put in place by the US authorities. The international appeal made in August by Colombia for assistance in combatting her
drugs war was therefore answered swiftly, not only by the
Bush administration but also by Mrs Thatcher, who directed
that the UK should provide a package of aid, the procurement and supply of which is now well advanced. Drug related
issues have assumed a new and growing significance in this
region and the indications are that the government will
continue to require the military to provide a significant component of the assistance provided. Moreover, the precedent set in South America has not yet been adopted by other drug producing areas of the world. The potential effect on 00A policy, should any of them choose to do so and
should our political will demand action, is enormous.
During the course of the year, the OOACG sub-groups have
considered aspects of regional developments as they bear upon our
OOA policy and the following section is a distillate of the
events that are notable in this context. Regions are covered in
the priority order established by the 1988 00A Strategy Review
(CDS 38/88).
THE GULF
9. Since the August 1988 declaration of a cease fire, the no
peace/no war regime continues with United Nations Security
Resolution 598 still to be debated in detail. The general
easing of tension which has resulted in the Gulf has allowed
small reductions and adjustments in the Western Naval presence: ARMILLA force levels have been reduced and operating patterns have been modified. CLEANSWEEP and CALENDAR MCM Operations have
been terminated.
10. The year has seen the formation of the Arab Co-operation
Council and there has been some improvement in the UK's relations
with the Yemens, mainly through RN ship visits. UK LSP MOU's
are currently being negotiated with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman
SECRET UK EYES A
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