TNAG-2122-FCO40-3028-Future-of-the-Brigade-of-Gurkhas-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 33

15

SECRET UK EYES A

нкс 062 15

Mr McLaren

PS/Mr Lennox-Boyd

From: M J Williams, SAD

Date: 24 October 1990

Private Secretary

Cc:

Ry 24/10 Miss Marp Jon Mr Stone, 25110

la

24/10

Mr Burns

Mr Goulden

NPDD

HKD

SEAD

Security Policy Dept Special Advisers

ARMED FORCES BILL

-

PROVISIONS AFFECTING GURKHAS

Problem

•

How should we respond to the exchange between the Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister about keeping in the 1991 Armed Forces Bill provisions restricting the

possibility of Gurkhas on duty in the UK and their families from acquiring British nationality?

A

Recommendation

2. I recommend that we can agree with the maintenance of these provisions. There is no need for the Foreign Secretary to intervene in the exchange.

Argument

3. In his minute of 22 October, the Defence Secretary suggested postponing action on the decision by OD to include in the 1991 Armed Forces Bill to ensure that non-UK members of the Armed Forces and their relatives did not acquire either British citizenship or rights of settlement by virtue of service in the United Kingdom, while there remained

MW3ABW/1

SECRET UK EYES A