TNAG-1088-FCO40-1338-Illegal-immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 173

SCR 3/2091/79 IV

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22nd January,

1981

5.

I don't know whether you feel it necessary to reply to the question about Gurkhas being "mercenaries". For what it is worth, they have served the British Crown since the year 1816 and fought with distinction in two world wars. Their presence in the British Army arises from a government to government agreement. The King of Nepal is an Honorary Field Marshall in the British Army so I do not think that in any sense can they be described as "mercenaries", a derogatory term which is usually used to refer to soldiers who are hired for gain. I will leave you to decide whether you wish to convey this to Miss Hicks.

Thank

you

ре

your welcoming remarks

and Kung Hei Fat Chay!!

form

JRH: cmt

(J.R. Heywood)