CODE 18 - 17
MSS/271/548/1
Reference
10
Minule 1%.
B
27
Mr Hull (Cultural Relations Dept PST 57)
POSSIBLE MEETING BETWEEN FCO AND THE ROYAL SOCIETY
1. You and other recipients of this minute may recall the meeting held in the FCO on 21 October 1976 when Dr Owen, then Minister of State, chaired a discussion with senior officers of the Royal Society. A wide range of subjects (list attached) was discussed.
2. Recent contacts with the Royal Society indicate that they would much value another round of talks in the not too distant future. We have suggested to the Royal Society that it might be best to precede the next ministerial level meeting by a discussion at senior official level at which much of the detail could be sorted out. The present plan is for Mr Burrows to invite Dr Keay, Executive Secretary of the Royal Society, to lunch in October to establish subjects of interest to both sides. The Head of this Department, Mr Hannay, would also be present. Subsequent arrange- - ments would depend upon the outcome of that conversation.
3. I should be grateful for the views of recipients of this minute on subjects of current interest which might be raised with the Royal Society. Perhaps some of the topics discussed at last October's meeting might again be included, but we would not wish to create the impression of continuing talks on a regular agenda of subject matter. We would prefer subjects to be of topical interest. Additional subjects which occur to me are Scientific Counsellors, which this Department would handle, and Soviet research vessels and Hong Kong, which HKGD may wish to consider. Initially, we only need to know which subjects we might suggest to the Royal Society - or have in mind for defensive briefing. In due course, probably early in 1978, we will need to issue a call for briefs on the subjects likely to be discussed in any substantive talks.
4. It would be helpful if recipients of this minute could let me know (preferably by minute) their views on what topics might be raised, either by FCO or the Royal Society.
LAST
PE
+
5 September 1977
Сс
Mr Denison-Edson (CSAD) Mr Carter (EAD)
Mr Figgis (EESD)
Mr George (EID(I))
Mr Orr (FED)
Mr David (HZPD)
Mr Tatham (MED)
Mr Everett (NENAD)
AT J Lovelock
Energy, Science & Space Dept (233 5518 E 022)
Mr Harrison (Rhodesia Dept) Dr Heap
(SAD)
Mr Beattie (UND).
Mr Furness (WED)