CONFIDENTIAL
the year. The review will however focus primarily on events from 1994 onwards which are likely to be the subject of more debate than the withdrawal of the first battalion which all parties agree should go ahead as scheduled. It has accordingly been agreed that this particular issue can be pursued separately from the overall review. Against that background, I should be grateful to know that Minister (AF) is content for one battalion to be removed from the Hong Kong garrison ORBAT with effect from April 1992 in accordance with the agreed Garrison Withdrawal Plan. If he is, I will advise the FCO who in turn will arrange to inform the Chinese authorities through the Joint Liaison Group staff in Hong Kong. Finally the intention to withdraw the first battalion would be made public as part of the announcement on the amalgamation of 1/2 and 2/2 Gurkha Rifles and the future of the Gurkhas. This is intended to be in the form of a passage in SDE 91 due to be published early next month.
CONFIDENTIAL
Marta Havard
M L HOWARD Sec (0) (C)
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