COLE I5-77
APPENDIX B
AN ALL-GURKHA GARRISON - PACTORS
HORE ON THE FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR REJECTING THIS SOTUTION
1. There are a large number of functions which are not now provided by Gurkhas. These could only be done after a lengthy retraining and would be uneconomic.
2.
The political advantage of having a visible UK military presence in Hong Kong.
3. The propaganda potential of placing the security of the Colony solely in the hands of Asians - both IK Police and Gurkhas in the latter case "Asian mercenaries". To some extent this situation exists already and it may therefore be no more than a matter of degree, but with no UK troops committed at all, and no early reinforcement likely, it becomes a stronger card to play. There is no indication that this card is about to be played by any other country who wishes us ill. However it is important to remember that it would not be necessary to play this card against either HG or the Hong Kong Government the right pressure could easily be applied against Repal.
CE
4. The attitude of Nepal. There is no indication that Nepal would object to an all Gurkha teeth arm solution; nor need we consult her. She would however object if the terms and conditions of service of Gurkhas were changed and if they were no longer enlisted for worldwide service and were no longer considered to be "an integral and distinguished part of the British Army". (Words from the Tripartite Treaty correspondence of Nov 1947). Thus Nepal would probably have no comment to make on the fact that most of the Brigade of Gurkhas were serving in Hong Kong, but she would object to any alteration in the status of British Gurkhas, particularly if this leads to a reduction in organisation and equipment to a gendarmerie type role.
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The termination of Gurkha enlistment. Although there is no sign of this happening at the moment, the agreement to allow enlistment in the British Army could be terminated. The replacement of all teeth arm units by UK units would be that much more difficult if the whole of the field force was Gurkha.
6. The attitude of the Gurkhas. The Gurkhas themselves may after a while feel isolated from the rest of the British Army. This feeling nay arise if there is no opportunity for service outside Hong Kong; it will certainly arise if there are no training or course outlets, and no other UK combat units in the garrison.
CONFIDENTIAL