TNAG-1941-FCO40-2767-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 41

SECRET UK EYES A

side, some progress in Arab League-sponsored peace initiatives was perceived following the meeting of MPS in Taif in October; However, the long-term effectiveness of the talks and the Charter

for National Reconciliation have still to be measured.

17.

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Little has changed in Cyprus over the year despite the best efforts of President Vassiliou and the UN-sponsored inter-communal talks have stalled frequently. Vassiliou appears to value highly his relationship with Britain and, despite

increasing Cypriot media attention directed at British training

rights in the Akamas Peninsula, our tenure of the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAS) does not appear to be threatened for the moment.

SOUTH EAST ASIA

18. 1989 was a year during which the confidence of the Far East

in the traditional superpower balances waivered. There was

evidence that the defence procurement and defence relations policies of several Far Eastern nations were being affected by

the unpredictability of the Soviet Glasnost policy (Mr Gorbechev

offered to withdraw from Cam Ranh Bay) and the uncertainty of

continuing US presence in the Region (difficulties over the

Philippines basing agreement). Alarm bells must also have rung

throughout the theatre when China's mask of acceptability was

removed to reveal her historically tyrannical teeth.

19. The UK's friends and allies in the Region are also conscious

that the Hong Kong Garrison must withdraw by 30 June 1997. HMG's

policy is therefore to convey the UK's commitment to maintenance

of stability and security in the Region - in general through the

promotion of cordial defence relations throughout SE Asia and specifically by provision of support for the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA). In 1988 we made significant increases in tangible support for the FPDA - and for regional defence links

when the RN'S OUTBACK 88 and the RAF's GOLDEN EAGLE visited a

range of countries in SE Asia. This is not an effort that can be

repeated annually; thus, our commitment to the Region in 1989,

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SECRET UK EYES A

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