LONDON, June 8: Britain’s defence minister said on Saturday sending British troops to patrol the Line of Control (LoC) could help defuse tensions between Pakistan and India, but added that there were no plans to do so as yet.

British media have speculated in recent days that the United States, preparing a diplomatic offensive to avert war in the Sub-continent, might propose a joint Anglo-American military monitoring force for Kashmir.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told BBC radio Britain had no plans to send troops to patrol the LoC. “But obviously we are looking at every option,” he said.

“If there were to be a very small number of British international troops assisting India and Pakistan along the Line of Control to reduce tension that might be a way forward...but...there are no specific plans to do that at this stage.”

He added ultimately this would be a matter for India and Pakistan to decide.

“What we are saying to both India and Pakistan is that they must not take steps that could lead to that ultimate appalling eventuality (of a nuclear war),” Hoon said.

He said Britain was “determined to play whatever part we can in allowing India and Pakistan to step back from the brink”.

The Independent daily newspaper, quoting defence and diplomatic sources, reported on Thursday U.S. Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld would propose the Anglo-American monitoring force during a visit to the region next week.

The newspaper said about 500 helicopter-borne troops could patrol the LoC.—Reuters