TNAG-0536-FCO40-631-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 21

Reference.....................

:

Mr Doble

Defence Department

DEFENCE REVIEW:

1.

DRAFT WHITE PAPER

With reference to Mr Cormack's minute of 21 January we would prefer to have less prominence given to Brunei, and the reasons for our withdrawal, than in paragraph 30 of the First Draft. I suggest the following reformulation:

Paragraph 28 Add at end:

"We consider that the presence of the Gurkha battalion in Brunei is no longer appropriate even at no direct cost to the UK. Subject to consultations with the Sultan we therefore intend to carry out our 1968 decision to withdraw it. Together with the reductions in Hong Kong this will mean that the Brigade of Gurkhas will fall by about 1,000 to a revised strength of 6,000.'

tt

Paragraph 29 Amend opening to read:

"The Five Power Defence Arrangements include a consultative commitment but no obligation to maintain British troops.

Paragraph 30 Omit

Paragraph 31 Renumber as paragraph 30 and delete "Malaysia/".

22 January 1975

cc:- Mr Seaward

SEAD

Mr Stuart HKIOD

Mr Wilford

As

R P Flower

South West Pacific Department

CONFIDENTIAL

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