CAB148-30-Defence and Oversea Policy Committee Meetings Relating to 1967 Disturbances-1967 — Page 242

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A further consideration, however, which needed to be taken into account

was the unique scientific interest attaching to the Island, and strong

representations had been made by scientific bodies, including the Royal Society

and the Smithsonian Institute about the likely damage to this, These were

however to some extent over-stated, and it was relevant that the last

scientific expedition to Aldabra had taken place in 1908. It should be

possible in the development proposed to co-operate alosely with the scientific

bodies interested, and it would be reasonable to provide from Defence Votes

a small amount of accommodation for scientific research on the Island.

A decision to proceed with the development would constitute a reasonable

and prudent measure of insurance against unforeseen circumstances in the light

of our future policy East of Suez. Such a decision would be subject to a

satisfactory outcome of negotiations with the United States Government for

an arrangement under which they would bear half the capital cost. An

announcement in the early autumn on completion of these negotiations would

then be desirable.

THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC BUILDING AND WORKS said that a full evaluation

of the cost could not be made without further investigation on the spot;

and the final cost might well be in excess of the present estimate. An

early decision was required if delays were to be avoided through missing

the next favourable climatic season which began in April 1968.

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION AND SCIENCE said that the joint

advice on the consequences for the ecology of Aldabra of the Royal Society,

the Natural Environment Research Council and the British Museum of Natural

History was given in the annex to OPD (67) 58. The ecology of the Island

was unique: nor had the scientific case been over-stated. If on over-

riding defence grounds a decision to develop were made, measures for the

utmost possible conservation of wild life and for minimising the effects

on the ecology of the Island should be taken and the necessary machinery

for full and continuous consultation with scientific interests including

the Natural Environment Research Council, should be set up under the aegis

of the Department of Education and Science. These measures might include

the steps recommended in Annex B of the Defence Secretary's memorandum

OPD (67) 57, and the cost should be chargeable to Defence Votes.

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