United Kingdom Military Installations in the Mediterranean -- Capabilities and Future Prospects
Abstract
The basic questions addressed are (1) whether or not the deemphasis of British military facilities at Gibraltar, Malta and Cyprus within the near future will weaken the southern flank of NATO and (2) what effect the British withdrawal will have on the future of forward basing privileges for the United States in a unilateral military projection into the mideast. Data was accumulated using a literature search and personal interviews with both military and state department officials. The interviews were conducted with both military and civilian personnel at US Embassies and NATO facilities in Great Britain, Greece and Italy. Economic and political pressures prevent the British from maintaining their current presence in the Mediterranean. The loss of the British bases will not impact greatly on the security of the southern flank of NATO so long as Gibraltar, Malta and Cyprus are denied to any other major power (i.e., USSR, PRC). In addition, unless one of our NATO allies is involved the United States will not be able to use any of the aforementioned bases for a unilateral military projection into the mideast.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA059349
Entities
People
- Addison C. Ehrlich
- Alvin M. Bryant
- Horace Mann Iii
- Richard C. Martin
Organizations
- United States Army War College