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17. The MOD have proposed that a battalion of Gurkhas be
sent on a short term posting to Belize. On their return to Hong Kong, according to the MOD's new planning, the British
battalion would return to the UK. This would effectively
mean a reduction of the Garrison to two battalions in October
this year and to one battalion in September 1994. There would be corresponding savings in support costs. The Governor supports these ideas and a paper will be agreed
between the FCO, the MOD and the Governor for submission to
OPD (K). The Minister may wish to explore the Governor's views on the likely reaction of the local community and China
to this accelerated reduction.
Nationality Issues
18. The Minister's meeting with LegCo members (Brief No 9) is likely to be dominated by LegCo's concerns on three nationality questions; the proposed phased programme for the registration of British Nationals (Overseas) (BNOs); passports for the ethnic minority; and passports for wives and widows of ex-servicemen (Brief No 10). LegCo member
Frederick Fung and his colleagues who called on the Minister
and the Secretary of State on 18 May have already stirred up some parliamentary interest on the proposed phased programme for the registration of BN (O)s. The Minister has written to David Steel and others on whom Mr Fung called. LegCo member
Elsie Tu has also written a circular letter to MPs about
this.
19.
A delegation of four LegCo members (Emily Lau, James To, Simon Ip and Ron Arculli) are proposing to come to London in the week of 7 June in order to lobby on these issues.
[The Minister has therefore written to Charles Wardle to ask whether it would be possible/Ministers have agreed] to postpone a final decision on these matters until after
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