TNAG-0541-FCO40-636-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 171

SECRETARY

SECRET

OF STATE

MO 9/1/1B

RECEIVED REGISTRY No.52 27 MAY 1975

SECRET UK EYES A Swin

UK EYES A

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

MAIN BUILDING. WHITEHALL, LONDON, S.W.I

鼻

166

ناخال

TELEPHONE 01-XXXXXXX 218 2111/3

21st May 1975

Сс

PS/ Lord Gormy-

Dear Barrett,

Roberto

Папале

Mr. Jackson Defence

→ Aro kaffe Ho

Ne Squix SEAD.

I am writing to confirm that my Secretary of State has approved the planning assumptions set out in paragraph 4 of OPD(75)18.

The Sultan pays the full costs of the Gurkha Battalion so the financial arguments do not reinforce the political case for early withdrawal. Current studies also suggest that it might be possible to turn the delayed withdrawal to our financial advantage in restructuring the Hong Kong garrison at a somewhat lower level than earlier envisaged. We expect to reach a decision on this shortly. Taking all these points into account my Secretary of State considers that there would be no overriding military problem in delaying the withdrawal of the Gurkha Battalion until mid 1978 or later. From the political point of view, however, he feels that the earlier complete disengagement from South East Asia takes place the better.

I am sending copies of this letter to the Private Secretaries of other OPD members and to Chris Brearley.

Your sincerely,

SJ Barrett Esq

Cragą

(A J CRAGG)

SECRET. UK EYES A

S

SECRET UK EYES A