TNAG-2239-FCO40-3218-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Royal-Navy-presence-1991 — Page 34

CODE 18-77

Mr Sawyer

CONFIDENTIAL UK EYES A

Non Proliferation and Defence Dept

Ра

Reference.

RN prefree.

HKB 063/1

RECEIVED IN CEGİSTR

INDEX

09 JUL 1991

SK OFFICE,

11t.

G

OUT OF AREA DEFENCE COMMITMENTS: GURKHAS

106

1.

Please refer to your minute of 2 July.

2.

There are no Out of Area Defence Commitments in South Asia. Our recruitment of Gurkhas is the major plank of our relationship with Nepal, but does not itself involve more than an administrative commitment in the region (Nepal) to recruit Gurkhas and pay pensions.

Brigade of Gurkhas

3. Existing commitments. The current strength of the Brigade of Gurkhas is some 7,357 men organised into five infantry battalions and three supporting corps. We are committed to maintaining the Hong Kong Garrison until 1997 and a battalion of Gurkhas in Brunei at the Sultan's expense until 1998.

4.

Changes being proposed by MOD. Under the Options for Change exercise, MOD officials have recommended to Ministers that the Brigade of Gurkhas be reduced to 2,500 men. The retention of the smaller brigade would guarantee a fully effective presence in Hong Kong as well as maintain a battalion in Brunei. The retention of Gurkhas at the expense of British troops may excite controversy, but the cost of garrisoning Hong Kong with roulement troops from the UK and Germany would be much greater.

5.

Our assessment of their effect.

The advantages to Nepal

from the Gurkha connection by way of foreign exchange, employment and national pride cannot be overstated. The existence of the Brigade allows us a special relationship and the reduction will come as a shock to them.

INOAAN

CONFIDENTIAL UK EYES A