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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London S.W.1
2 February, 1970
16
The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary would like to visit Japan from 20-24 April, both to hold talks with the Japanese Foreign Minister and, subject to Her Majesty's formal approval which I am seeking, to represent Her Majesty The Queen at Expo '70 on the day allotted for a British national manifestation. (22 April).
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During last year the Japanese Government formally invited H.M. The Queen and H.R.H. Prince Philip to visit Japan as the guests of the Japanese Government for the Japan World Exposition of 1970, to be held in Osaka from 15 March to 15 September. The Queen and Prince Philip cannot accept the Japanese invitation.
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The Japanese Government envisaged that where a Head of State was unable to respond in person to the invitation, he or she might be represented on the occasion of the National Day of the country concerned by a member of the Royal Family or by a person of the rank of a Cabinet Minister or above.
Although the Prince of Wales plans to visit Japan to see Expo '70 on his way home from Australia, the only dates on which he can be there are 9-14 April and since he cannot be in Japan on the British day (22 April) his visit will be unofficial. Mr. Stewart accordingly thinks it appropriate that he should
P. J. S. Moon, Esq., 10 Downing Street.
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/himself