HC Deb 12 November 1962 vol 667 cc23-4
16. Sir J. Smyth

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any new agreements have been made, or are contemplated, between Her Majesty's Government and the Governments of Nepal and India, with regard to the recruitment of Gurkhas.

25. Mr. F. M. Bennett

asked the Lord Privy Seal what new negotiations have been entered into with the Governments of India and Nepal on the subject of recruitment of Gurkhas.

Mr. P. Thomas

No new agreements or negotiations have been made, entered into or are contemplated with the Governments of India and Nepal with regard to the recruitment of Gurkhas.

Sir J. Smyth

Does my hon. Friend realise that any alteration in the present agreement with Nepal over this question of the Gurkhas would not only be a severe military loss to Britain but would have very unfortunate repercussions in Nepal? Surely any financial result which may be contemplated by my hon. Friend, if it is to be contemplated in the future by him, is infinitesimal compared with the military and political damage which would be done.

Mr. Thomas

I certainly accept my hon. and gallant Friend's statement that this is a matter of importance to Nepal. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War told him on 7th November, no decision will be taken about the future of the Gurkha Brigade before next year, and every possible circumstance and condition will be taken into consideration".—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 7th November, 1962; Vol. 666, c. 962.] before a final decision is reached.

Mr. Bennett

While endorsing everything said by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Norwood (Sir J. Smyth) about the situation in Nepal, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he does not think it particularly pertinent at the present time of crisis between India and China when we are supposed to be sustaining India against the threat of Chinese aggression? My hon. Friend said that nothing will happen until next year. Will he clarify that for me a little, because I am not sure whether until next year means seven weeks from now, in which case it would not be very reassuring, or until 12th November next year.

Mr. Thomas

Replying to the last part of the question, I am afraid that I cannot clarify it any further than the remark which I quoted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. If my hon. Friend puts down a Question to the Secretary of State for War, I am sure that he will answer it. Replying to the first part of the question, I accept the importance of this matter, particularly in the context of the situation of today.

Mr. Wigg

Is not the hon. Member aware that the proposal to give consideration to reducing the eight battalions of Gurkhas is caused by the fact that the Government's manpower policy is out of balance, and that it is because of the necessity to reorganise the infantry that this drastic step is even contemplated?

Mr. Thomas

I am afraid that I cannot answer that question. It does not seem to be a question for the Foreign Office.

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