TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 115

SECRET UK EYES A

ANNEX B TO ATTACHMENT TO CDS 7/87

HONG KONG GARRISON WITHDRAWAL PLAN EXTERNAL FACTORS

1.

There are several external factors which bear on the Hong Kong Garrison Withdrawal Plan, as follows:

a. The Future of the Brigade of Gurkhas. The future of Gurkha Units after withdrawal from Hong Kong is/not addressed in this paper (the AD is mounting a/separate study to provide the basis for subsequent decision-taking on this issue once the outline garrison Withdrawal Plan has been approved). Nevertheless, the maintenance of Gurkha morale must be assured, if the garrison is to remain effective whilst Gurkhas are included in its strength or

are planned as reinforcements.

b.

Relationship with Nepal. The UK has a number of interests and commitments in Nepal which will be considerably affected by the Withdrawal Plan. Again, this is a factor which is not addressed in this paper since it does not have a bearing on the Withdrawal Plan itself.

C.

Relationship with Brunei. Brunei has a significant role to play in supporting training for the Hong Kong Garrison and in providing a base for an acclimatised reserve Gurkha Battalion for reinforcement of Hong Kong. Agreement has/been reached to extend the current arrangement until 1993., The availability of this Brunei-based Battalion until 1997/is/a crucial element of the Withdrawal Plan but

at this stage its presence cannot be considered as assured. The Hong Kong garrison administers the Brunei garrison which includes Training Team Brunei (TTB).

d./ Relationship with UN Command in Korea.

The Hong Kong

garrison currently provides the British Contingent to the

COS S/176(1)

B - 1

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UK EYES A

SECRET LOCSEN