TNAG-2203-FCO40-3158-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-legislation-to-restrict-the-ri-1990 — Page 21

E.R.

CONFIDENTIAL

since OD last considered the question of the Gurkhas. Although it is, of course, a matter for you, I wonder whether

the recent events in Eastern Europe, and the effect which

these might have on the future size of our forces, indicate a

need to review the case for basing large numbers of Gurkhas in the UK for long periods? If so, do we need to reconsider our decision to legislate in order to deprive them of settlement and citizenship opportunities? At the very least, I imagine that our experience with the Hong Kong Bill this session

shhould cause us to reconsider plans for your Bill in the session following.

I am copying this minute to the Prime Minister, other members

of OD,

to Tim Renton and to Sir Robin Butler.

CONFIDENTIAL