World's best infantryman
I refer to the letter on discrimination against Gurkhas in the British Army, from Padam Gurung and Eric Urbani (South China Morning Post, January 3).
I have recently completed reading The Gurkhas, by Byron Farwell (Penguin, 1985), which I bought in Katmandu last October. The book is subtitled, 'A history of the finest infantrymen in the world' and fully justifies this claim.
The book stirs emotions about war in general and the Gurkha in particular. It also provides full justification of allegations of discrimination over a wide range of issues including provision of equipment, status, payment and family relationships.
There is no doubt about Nepal's independent commitment to contribute to the British cause in many different countries. There is no doubt about the number of casualties and wounded.
Why then should there be continuing reluctance to redress the lack of courtesy represented by discrimination over the long period of willing and exemplary service of the finest infantrymen in the world? BRADFORD IMRIE Jordan
