•
RESTRICTED
out of the Permanent Cadre will be arranged by negotiations with MOD (A). It is hoped that the Permanent Cadre will be reduced to the strength required at 31 December 1971 by V ntary transfer (Group A), by normal wastage, by redundancy (Group C) and by ceasing to commission into the permanent
adre. Only if there is a shortfall will it be necessary to transfer compulsorily officers of Group B during this period.
19. A particular problem concerns Gurkha (Nepalese) officers commissioned from RMA Sandhurst, whom the Bde of Gurkhas have always considered should be regarded as equivalent to British Officers in all respects. Their future, in the event of further reductions in the Bde, is still to be resolved.
MGBG considers that some of them are fit and suited in every respect to serve in the British Army proper, and recommends that such
This officers should be offered the opportunity to transfer. is clearly a difficult problem with political implications and no early decision can be expected. It is of interest that the views of 11 of the 12 officers are known, and only 3 of them have expressed a wish to serve on in the Army.
20.
Gurkha Pensions. The rates of British Gurkha pensions are tied to those of Gurkhas serving in the Indian Army. FARELF forwarded a submission to MOD on 5th May 69 stating that as Indian Army Gurkha pensions were increased in 1968 British Gurkhas' pensions should be raised and backdated to 17 March 68. FARELF also suggested a new method of assessing Gurkha pensions. FARELF's submission was considered by MOD and a counter proposal was sent to them on 30 May. suggested an interim increase in pensions backdated to 1 Mar 68 and a long term review to study new methods of assessment. FARELF's reply is still awaited.
We
Pago 5
RESTRICTED