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rotation, to undergo the all-arms training needed to keep them fully effective. It also helps to relieve the
burden of turbulence, overstretch and separation on British units. The deployment this month of two companies from the United Kingdom Gurkha battalion to Belize illustrates the point.
4. I am sure that it is right, in the new circumstances, to maintain the Brigade at five battalions until at least a year after the Brunei commitment ends (the year would be needed to allow for rundown). This will cost no more than the original Defence Review plan, because the fifth battalion is paid for by Brunei, and presents no diffi- culties in relation to the Defence Budget.
5. I do not believe that the change of plan will attract public criticism; it may rather be welcomed. To avoid prolonging current uncertainty in the Brigade, we need to announce our intentions as soon as possible; this would include telling the Government of Nepal.
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I should be grateful for agreement to procced accordingly.
I will then concert the terms of a public statement and, notification to Nepal with the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.
7.
I am sending copies of this minute to our DOP colleagues, and to Sir John Hunt.
20th July 1978
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