they will probably wish to insert a "target" date of 1985 in
We the resolution which will not however be binding on shall also need to get satisfaction on such remaining problems as the relative size of the lettering used to list the United Kingdom and the European Community on the cover of the
passport.
4.
I am conscious that the British attachment to the traditional passport could lead to criticism of such a decision. But we shall be able to point out:
5.
(a)
(b)
(c)
that a change will anyway be needed in due course for good practical reasons;
that we have not accepted any date for the change;
and
that the decision of principle was in any case taken by our predecessors in 1974.
You will be aware that the Dutch Prime Minister would like to launch the new passport formally at the European Council, but only if prior agreement had been reached at the Foreign Affairs Council. We should therefore be able to avoid any substantive discussion at the European Council.
6.
If you agree with the line we suggest, we might
There is also the circulate our paper to OD colleagues.
question of informing Parliament. From a formal point of view, this is a matter for the Member States rather than the Community as such; any agreement would be embodied in a
CONFIDENTIAL
/resolution