CONFIDENTIAL
A3a.
A3b.
A3c.
WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SULTAN OF BRUNEI OVER THE RETENTION OF A GURKHA BATTALION THERE?
IS THERE ANY REASON TO BE PESSIMISTIC ABOUT THESE NEGOTIATIONS?
ARE THERE OTHER POSSIBLE MEANS OF PROVIDING IN- THEATRE REINFORCEMENTS?
We have indicated that HMG is
prepared in principle to retain
the garrison for a limited period up to five years_7. We hope to
have formal talks with the Sultan
at Ministerial level in the Spring
in London. We had hoped for a
preparatory meeting with the Sultan's
officials last week. Unfortunately
due to a misunderstanding of what
had been proposed this did not take
place. We hope shortly to discuss
some of the issues further with
the Sultan's constitutional adviser,
Sir Charles Fletcher-Cooke MP_7.
No.
We have a shared interest
in a successful outcome. Our
defence links with Brunei are close
and amiable.
No. If Brunei were not available
to us we would have to reinforce
Hong Kong from the UK.
Reinforcements
would start arriving after a few
days; but it could be a week before
they would be available in
significant numbers_7.
CONFIDENTIAL"-
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