CONFIDENTIAL
3.
The latest statement on the issue from Ministry of
Defence is in the SDE 90, which refers to the announcement
in May 1989 by the then Defence Secretary, that after 1997
we would expect to retain a reduced brigade of about 4,000
men. However both the May 1989 statement and the SDE 90 are
careful to avoid making any definitive commitment.
4. I do not believe we should try now to secure a
commitment from the MOD about the longterm future of the
brigade, which they certainly would not give. However I
should be grateful if you would include in your draft letter
from Mr Maude a brief paragraph to the effect that if
there is any question of the May 1989 commitment to retain
after 1997 a brigade of about 4,000 men being reconsidered
we would like the question of the future of the Gurkhas to
be properly considered inter-departmentally, so that due
weight could be given to our relations with Nepal, and the
effects on the Nepalese economy.
Mjuilli
M J Williams
MW3AAS/2
CONFIDENTIAL