TNAG-0179-FCO40-215-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-Garrison-1970 — Page 21

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Mr. K. M. Wilford

CONFIDENTIAL

cc M. E. 8. Carter, Hong Kong Dept.

Hr. R. A. Sykes, Defence Policy Dept.

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RUNDOWN OF BRIGADE OF GURKHAS

You agreed that, during the second round of discussions

with the Governor of Hong Kong which are due to take place

from 8 to 10 December (my minute of 19 November), we should

speak to him informally about the future strength of the

Brigade of Gurkhas and warn the Governor that, in the course

of next year, we shall probably be seeking his comments on the

desirability or otherwise of retaining Gurkhas in the Colony's

Garrison after 1972,

2. The Ministry of Defence have agreed that we may put to the

Governor the figure of 4500 as our probable long term requirement

in Hong Kong. This was the figure mentioned in Major Lindsay's

letter of 7 November. The Ministry of Defence also agree that

we may quote the other information in this letter, emphasising

that the figures given are tentative and must be treated in the

strictest confidence.

3. We agree that we should not seek authority to pass on the

figures in the Ministry of Defence estimate to HM Ambassador in

Kathmandu.

You may however wish to thank Mr. Kellas for his

letter of 30 October. I attach a draft. I also attach a draft

to the Ministry of Defence enclosing a copy of Mr. Kellas

letter.

4.

This minute and the attached drafts have been agreed

with/

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CONFIDENTIAL