Reference.... PUL 3/2/7
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Mr D K Timms (HK & IOD)
MY DINKIDDY 2015
DINLIDAY 2015
Plene shesh Dat
27
DEFENCE AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE
1. You will note from the attached self- explanatory correspondence that the Committee have decided to visit Hong Kong from 18-21 November inclusive, and that they expect the MOD to make proposals for the "second part" of their programme i.e. visits to fill about a further 5-6 days.
2. It is a fairly normal pattern for the Committee to plan visits under their Defence hat, and to take External Affairs (hitherto accommoda- tion and staffing, in the main) as the secondary consideration. Hong Kong bristles with difficulties if, as is now apparent, they intend to probe much wider than FCO administrative/ commercial arrangements there.
3. Tehran seems a pointless waste of time, and arms sales to India are surely more easily dis- cussed in London. If we wish to ride them off Diego Garcia and Masirah also, there might be something to be said for promoting Nepal (Ghurka recruitment) and Cyprus.
4. I should appreciate comments.
19 May 1975
Imusarrisa
D M Harrison
Parliamentary Commissioner and Committees Unit
Copies to
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Mr Cormack (Defence Dept)
Mr Clark (MED)
Mr Thomson (SWPD)
Mr Seward (SAD)
Mr Weston (SED)
Mr Eyers (PUSD)
BV 10 days
6
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22/5
PA
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