QUI A AZIJINLAND
LINE TO TAKE
Visit by President Eanes
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is
1. The British Government are looking forward in principle th
a State Visit by President Eanes in 1978. Possible dates will be
considered shortly.
British Farmers
2. We welcome the progress made in setting up the machinery for
consideration of the claims for compensation of dispossessed British
farmers. But some farmers are not happy with the arbitration procedures
proposed. The UK hope this matter can now be settled quickly.
Bilateral Social Security Agreement (Defensive)
3.
We appreciate the Portuguese wish for an agreement and welcome the
discussions that have taken place between Portuguese and British
officials this. We hope that progress can be made towards an
agreement but there are financial constraints to be considered.
Macao Airport (Defensive)
4. The reply given to the Portuguese proposal to build an airport at
melphil
Macao was intended to be constructive one. The proposal must have
the agreement of the People's Republic of China if it is to progress.
We look to the Portuguese authorities to establish the Chinese view.
BACKGROUND
Visit by President Eanes
5. In March, the Portuguese accepted in principle an invitation for
President Eanes to visit the UK as guest of the British Government but
indicated that timing (ie UK ideas of a visit in 1977) might be
difficult. The President's wife, who would normally accompany him,
is expecting a baby about October. Dr Ferreira also expressed
considerable concern about the level of treatment compared with visitors
under the old regime.
CONFIDENTIAL
16.