CODE 18-77
Mr Samuel
FED
See
FAMILIARISATION TOUR
(90)
Reference
Akk oab!
RECEIVE.
NO. 51
No
OFFICE
REGIOMY
Action Taken
1.
As you know it has been agreed in principle that I should make a familiarisa- tion visit to South and South-East Asia and the Far East during the current finan- cial year.
Before writing to posts to ask for their agreement I should be grateful for any views you may have on the attached suggested list of countries to visit.
2.
I understand that it should be possible to arrange a tour extending over about six weeks. Subject to the views of posts my own preference would be to go in February-March. The countries I am suggesting seem likely to be the most rewarding in terms of their unfamiliarity, their current importance to us and the chances of having useful exchanges with local contacts. If you have other suggestions, however, I should be happy to try to fit them in within the limits of the time available and airline timetables.
5 December 1978
cc: Mr Simons
Mr Holloway
Mr Mclaren
Mr Britten
Mr Snodgrass
Mr Murray (for information)
RM Bone Asian Region Research Department G64/5 233 4299