TNAG-2122-FCO40-3028-Future-of-the-Brigade-of-Gurkhas-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 39

SECRET UK EYES A

SECRETARY

OF STATE

particularly as it would compound the controversy which will in any case accompany the legislation.

3. Although no Gurkhas serving here at the moment are accompanied,

the some 1,400 already based here could take advantage of current

legislation and obtain rights of settlement for their wives and

British nationality for any children born here. I think it

unlikely, however, that any significant number of those currently

serving in the UK would make their own arrangements to bring their

wives here to take advantage of existing rights. If the outcome of

the Options work results in the retention of a UK-based Gurkha force there would be ample time to legislate in a separate Bill.

4.

In sum,

controversy.

the proposed legislation will inevitably cause

The question is whether it is better to face that

problem now when there remains uncertainty over the future size and

shape of the Brigade of Gurkhas, or to tackle it once fresh

conclusions have been reached. I strongly recommend the latter

course of action. This would also have the distinct advantage of

enabling the Armed Forces Bill to follow its traditional course as a

non-partisan review of the Services' disciplinary arrangements, and

hence of avoiding potential handling difficulties. This course has

the strong support of the Business Managers in both Houses, who

point to the need for us to manage next session's legislative

programme with the minimum of delay and disruption to major bills.

I should be grateful for OD's agreement to this course of action.

5. I am copying this minute to other members of OD, the Home

Secretary, the Attorney General, Bertie Denham, Tim Renton and Sir

Robin Butler.

Ministry of Defence 22 October 1990

SECRET UK EYES A

2

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(TK)