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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference | FCO 82/464 |
| Department/Office | Foreign Office |
| Title | Visit by John William Middendorf II, US Navy Secretary, to UK, 19-22 September (1974) |
| Description | Visit by Mr J William Middendorf, US Secretary of the Navy, to the UK to review US Navy Marine Corps programmes and to discuss the maritime role in the security of Europe and the Middle East. Conversation between Mr Hattersley and Mr Middendorf, US Secretary of Navy, regarding the Defence Review which would certainly lead to a reduction in defence expenditure over the next few years. Mr Middendorf said he was concerned about the Vulnerability of NATO'S southern flank, particularly in view of the tremendous growth of the Soviet Navy in the Mediterranean. Many European countries including Holland, Belgium and Italy still look to Britain for leadership, particularly in the Naval field. British defence cuts would provide further ammunition for those advocating the withdrawal of US forces from Europe. The defence of the US is very closely linked to the defence of Europe. Briefs on Diego Garcia, Defence Review, Holy Loch. Biography of J. William Middendorf II. |
| Date | 1974 |
| Collection | The Nixon Years, 1969-1974 |
| Region | North America, Europe |
| Countries | United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Soviet Union |
| Places | Belgium; Britain; Cyprus; Diego Garcia; Europe; Italy; Mediterranean; Middle East; Netherlands; Soviet Union; United Kingdom; United States of America |
| People | Ashmore, Harry S; Hattersley, Roy; Middendorf, J William |
| Topics | Balance of Payments; Common Market; Congress; Defence; Department of Defense; Department of State; Disarmament; Education; Environment; Exports; Labour Party; Ministry of Defence; North Atlantic Treaty Association (NATO); Payments; State Department; withdrawal |
| Copyright | Crown Copyright documents © are reproduced by permission of The National Archives London, UK |
