SECRET UK EYES A
decided to change our minds.
13. It ought however to be possible to steer a middle course which would satisfy both criteria, by being reasonably specific about things which are not going to have a high operational profile such as the ending of accompanied service, the movement of HQ Brigade of Gurkhas to the UK, the fact that the last battalion to be withdrawn will be British etc, and by giving a
time bracket for more sensitive events, such as the withdrawal of Gurkha battalions. We can also say that the patrol craft will
current plans stay till 1997 as will an RAF presence.
therefore attach at Annex B a draft withdrawal timetable for public consumption, drawn up with this in mind.
on
I
Summary
14. In sum, it is recommended that Ministers should
a. agree that we should plan on the withdrawal of the next Gurkha battalion in the second half of 1994, with a firm announcement being made about [six] months before.
b. note the outline plans for reductions in the size of the
garrison support component.
c. note the factors that will need to be taken into account
in handling the last six months of the garrison and in
particular:
(1) agree that accompanied service should cease in August 1996 for UK servicemen and November 1996
Gurkhas; and
(2) agree that the views of the Governor and the FCO
on the political and PR profile of the final withdrawal should be sought; that the option of using
SECRET UK EYES A
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