DEFE 24/1818: Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretariat. Branches. Registered Files. Loan Service and TRG Tams. Review of gurkha Contingents in Singapore. Confidential
01/01/1979 - 31/12/1980
Difficulties have arisen over the position of the Gurkha contingent in Singapore. The attention was drawn to the issue by an incident in May 1979; a display of disaffection by Eastern Gurkhas alluding favouritism by Western Gurkha senior officers. Gurkhas have two units in Singapore; a Police unit (established in 1949) and a Prisons Unit (established in 1968, comprising of 600 men in all and employed by the Singapore Government. Discussion on the background for the problems which stem from over recruitment and the terms of service which permit every Gurkha to serve up to the age of 45. Britain has been asked to investigate the issues but is placed in a difficult position as she tries to help Singapore overcome the problems but at the same time try and maintain good relations with Nepal. Note that the Gurkha Police unit is used for internal security. Documents include correspondence and a copy of the report of the investigation : 'Review of the Gurkhas of Singapore' July 1980 with comments on the report by the Major General of the Brigade of Gurkhas in Hong Kong.
DEFE 24/1818
NAB 2006
English
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