TNAG-0179-FCO40-215-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-Garrison-1970 — Page 83

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The Gurkhas

10. By the end of 1970 the strength of the Gurkha Brigade

will have been reduced to 8,000 of whom more than half will

be stationed in Hong Kong. By the end of 1971 the strength of the Brigade will have been reduced to 6,000 and, apart

from the elements comprising the lines of communication back

to Nepal, the whole of this force will be stationed in Hong

Kong. No political decision on the future of the Brigade

of Gurkhas after 1971 has yet been taken.

Major General Brigade of Gurkhas (M.G.B.G.

•

11.

At present the General Officer Commanding, 17 Division/

Malaya District, also fills the appointment of Major General Brigade of Gurkhas. It has been decided that, in conjunction

with the withdrawal of British Forces from the Far East, the

present combined appointment of G.0.C., 17 Division/Malaya

District should cease and that the M.G.B.G. should move to

Hong Kong before 1 April, 1970, when the Hong Kong Garrison

will become an independent command. The M.G.B.G. will advise

Commander British Forces, Hong Kong, on the problems likely to be encountered as the rundown of the Gurkhas progresses. He will also become the Deputy Commander Land Forces, Hong

Kong.

Hong Kong Department October, 1969

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