TNAG-2122-FCO40-3028-Future-of-the-Brigade-of-Gurkhas-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 66

CONFIDENTIAL

3.

The latest statement on the issue from Ministry of

Defence is in the SDE 90, which refers to the announcement

in May 1989 by the then Defence Secretary, that after 1997

we would expect to retain a reduced brigade of about 4,000

men. However both the May 1989 statement and the SDE 90 are

careful to avoid making any definitive commitment.

4. I do not believe we should try now to secure a

commitment from the MOD about the longterm future of the

brigade, which they certainly would not give. However I

should be grateful if you would include in your draft letter

from Mr Maude a brief paragraph to the effect that if

there is any question of the May 1989 commitment to retain

after 1997 a brigade of about 4,000 men being reconsidered

we would like the question of the future of the Gurkhas to

be properly considered inter-departmentally, so that due

weight could be given to our relations with Nepal, and the

effects on the Nepalese economy.

Mjuilli

M J Williams

MW3AAS/2

CONFIDENTIAL