resolution which will not however be binding on
us.
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:
(a) that a change will anyway be needed in
due course for good practical reasons;
(b)
that we have not accepted any date for
the change; and
(c) that the decision of principle was in any case taken by our predecessors in 1974.
5. 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 a discussion at the European Council.
6. If you agree with the line we suggest, we might circulate our paper to OD colleagues.
There
From
is also the question of informing Parliament. 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 resolution of Member States; go the ordinary scrutiny procedures would not apply. Nevertheless, I think it would be prudent to inform Parliament, if possible in advance of agreementiin Brussels, that Member States were now close to agreement on the implementation of the 1974 decision.
7.
I am sending copies of this minute to Willie Whitelaw and Robert Armstrong.
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