TNAG-0904-FCO40-1114-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 32

CONFIDENTIAL

the Governor to borrow the Brunei battalion seems to be a feasible option for us (cf paragraph 6 of your minute), or at least one which could be studied. The undertaking to consult has not been understood by the FCO to impair in any way our ability to make use of the Gurkhas for purely British purposes,

How we might present any 'intention' to move the batallion (or elements of it) temporarily would be a big headache of course.

9. But the need for naval help is pressing and I think we need to pay serious and urgent - attention to Hong Kong telegram

- No 353. The argument in the last few sentences of that telegram, about the need for a lengthy visit by one or more ships for confidence-building purposes, is of course separate from the need for permanent naval reinforcement plus perhaps a temporary attachment until this can be arranged. But we might look at both together. If you thought a meeting on all this would be helpful, I or Robin McLaren (the Head of Hong Kong and General Department) would be glad to attend.

Yours ever

Dem

DF Murray

THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

CLOSED UNTIL

UNDER FOI

EXEMPTION No 27a, Lad

CONFIDENTIAL