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CONFIDENTIAL UKEA
Gi monopoly control over a single raw material (like OPEC has)
3KAN is unlikely to come to pose a serious threat to our interests. Indeed, the dependence of ASEAN members on trading relations with countries outside the region pre-eminently Japan and the United States - means that they will continue to be a prey to outside influences, with little immediate prospect of being able to mount an effective defence.
22.
Incidentally, the Secretary of State has acquired merit withi ABEAN, for having been the Chairman of the EEC's Council of Ministers when arrangements were made for closer EEC/ASEAN relations at Permanent Representatives' level. But Herr Genscher, the German Foreign Minister, has out-ployed us by sponsoring a meeting at foreign-ministerial level, which could take place in November (the Germans have let it be known that we were not entirely enthusiastic at the prospect). The Secretary of State has in fact pronounced himself to be in favour. Our current aim is to ensure that the meeting is well prepared, in order not to disappoint ASEAN representa. tives or to create an awkward precedent, as regards the agenda, for get-togethers with members of other regional groupings.
2.
Finally, on points of administration:-
(a) The Secretary of State has ruled that it is too early to
consider a proposal for a South East Asian and Far East Ileads of Mission Conference in 1979. This is a disappoint- ment, but, in view of the political situation here, it would in any case have been unwise to place much reliance on any undertakings he was in a position to give (including undertakings about a visit to the region, which he might be prepared to make); and,
(b) We should be grateful if members of Missions in South East
Asia who are in the United Kingdom on leave or transfer could make a point of dropping in on the Department.
We attach much importance to up-to-dating our knowledge by consulting first-hand observers, and do not want to forgo the advantage of seeing anyone who may have something worth-while to communicate.
24.
This letter, which mainly contains my personal thoughts, is intended to be for your personal background information and that of other Diplomatic Service members of your staff.
Yours
lw
A M Simons
South East Asian Department
CONFIDENTIAL UKEA
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