CAB148-30-Defence and Oversea Policy Committee Meetings Relating to 1967 Disturbances-1967 — Page 28

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Discussion then turned to the problems raised by the existing decision that the further review of our defence policy and pro granne

which was now in progress should be kept secret. The effect of this

was that the White Paper did not give a balanced background to the

decisions that might be taken as a result of the further review.

was certainly true that sone reduction would have to be made in our

forces in Germany, except in the unlikely event that their foreign exchange costs were fully covered. Equally however, reductions might

have to be made in our forces East of Suez and the way must be open

for any such reduction to be shown to be the result of the further

review and not of political pressure to change a policy indicated in

the White Paper. It was recognised that serious problems would be

raised in relation both to our allies and to the morale of the Armed

THIS Forces by indicating at this stage that a further review was in progre ss,

had led to its being kept secret. Nevertheless consideration must be given to indicating more clearly in the White Paper that a further

review was in hand.

worst of both worlds.

Otherwise there was a risk that we might get the

In further discussion it was pointed out that paragraphs 17 and 23

of the draft White Paper, which dealt with our forces in Germany, did

not define our position clearly enough and that these ought to be

brought in line with the declared position of the Government, which was

that either their foreign exchange costs must be covered or with-

drawals would have to take place after 1st July.

Summing up this part of the discussion THE PRIME MINISTER said

that the White Paper should be revised in the light of the Comittee's

discussion and should be further considered by the Committee before

it was circulated to the Cabinet. In revising the chapter, the aim

should be a document of more limited scope with a shorter and less

forthright section dealing with the revision of NATO strategy and with

sufficient indication of the further defence studies now in hand to

prepare the way for the decisions to which these might lead on the

strength and deployment of our forces outside Europe. It might also

be desirable to give fuller info mation in this Part of the reorganisation of the Ministry of Defence in consequence of the new Ministerial appointments, rather than restrict this to Part II.

amendments which members of the Committee might have to suggest should

be sent urgently to the Defence Secretary for incorporation in the

redraft.

Other

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