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INDEX
Hen
026/2
2 - JUN 1982
OFFICER
PA
wp.
Mr Gregory-Hood (Defence D)
46
Select Committee on Défence: Defence:
Far East Visit.
1. My minute of 24 May to FED/HKGD copied to you asked for advice on what oral and written briefing we ought to offer the Committee before it leaves for Washington, Tokyo and Hong Kong on 28 June. The Committee Clerk has now asked for "briefing papers on the key issues which will be raised in the course of the visit", and suggests 2 areas of particular concern:
2.
a)
Japan's position vis-à-vis NATO and Western defence, and any possible enhancement of her role in defending "Western" interests. How is Japan's role perceived in Washington and Tokyo?
b)
A general assessment of the United States view of burden- sharing within the Alliance.
Briefs should reach the Committee in the first half of the week beginning 21 June. I should be grateful if Defence Department could provide them on the two specific topics mentioned above, to reach PCCU by that date. I await advice from Departments on what other briefing should be offered.
3. The Committee have abandoned their idea of visiting Brunei.
1 June 1982
Brother
A GR Butler РССУ 3952
Mr. Williamsong
wp
cc: Mp Elliott (FED)
Mr Clift (HKGD)
Chancery Washington (with
previous minute)