ITEM 8
-
SECRET
UK EYES A LOCSEN
COMMAND AND CONTROL IN THE FAR EAST IN THE RUN UP
TO 1997
30. CBF gave his views on the command and control arrangements that would be necessary when HQ Brigade of Gurkhas moved from Hong Kong to UK. In essence, it was straightforward: the command of British Gurkhas Nepal should be transferred from Hong Kong to UK when this move had taken place. In Brunei, it would be necessary to examine the implications of the support of the Garrison there post 1997, when the logistic chain stretched to 8,000 miles. CBF agreed to begin a study into this aspect. The Chairman observed it would be helpful if this study was put in hand now. AD (SE) reminded of the sales related issues which would impinge on the study.
31.
Similarly, arrangements to support FPDA exercises from the UK would have to be examined. It was noted that some work had already been done on this topic. A policy decision would also be required at a later date on whether the UK participation in the UN Honour Guard in Korea should continue with contingents found from UK based units. Essentially this decision would be politically led.
HQBP Hong Kong
Sec (O) (C)
ITEM 9
-
RIGHT OF ABODE
32. CBF introduced this item by stating that the Locally Entered Personnel (LEP) and
and Locally Employed Civilians (LEC) were a 'silver thread' running through the Garrison. CBF's concern was that they should have the security of a British Passport. They were in a unique position, serving in the UK Armed Forces and they considered themselves to be at risk. Their jobs ended in 1997 and they were conscious of the arrangements proposed for the other institutions, for example, the Civil Service, Police and other disciplined services. He wanted to make the most forceful case for his men and hoped that the MOD would prosecute it with the Home Office because he would have
have difficulty gaining a sympathetic hearing from the HKG. He therefore relied on ACDS (0) and Sec (0) (C) to make a cogent case. Hd Sec (O) (C) reassured CBF that he would continue to fight the case and the Chairman added that we should be most
resolute.
33. DN Plans observed that there was therefore a risk that the thread' would be broken and, if so, that more manpower would be needed from the UK. This point was acknowledged and Hd Sec (0) (C) explained that the number of personnel earmarked in JTP 68 (the replacement
(the replacement of labour in Hong Kong) had been used as the basis for the MOD bid for an allocation of places within the Government scheme for granting Right of Abode
of Abode to 50,000 Hong Kong residents. There was further discussion in response to Mr Paul's question of whether there was an alternative to a fixed
LOCSEN UK EYES A SECRET
Sec (O) (C)
00
8