DSR 11C
Minister.
CONFIDENTIAL
The other main objectives on the American side
are likely to be to exchange views on a range of
non-economic international issues of common concern.
Uppermost in their minds will undoubtedly be East/West
relations, the deployment of Cruise and Pershing
missiles, the INF and START negotiations, the Middle East
and Central America. Other subjects which they may well
wish to raise include nuclear proliferation and EC/US
relations (particuarly agricultural exports).
We are not at present aware of any bilateral
problems which the Americans would wish to raise from
their side.
5. The past year has seen serious strains in the
transatlantic relationship and an unhealthy rise in
public anti-Americanism in this country.
The first aim
on our side will undoubtedly be to reaffirm our
underlying confidence in Britain's association with the
United States. At the same time it will be important to
leave the Americans in no doubt of our continuing
intention to stand up for our national interests when
necessary.
6. On many aspects of world affairs however, we share
the same basic aims as the Americans and we would attach
priority to discussion of the subjects set out in
paragraph 3 above. The Prime Minister will also want to
take the opportunity to explain British views on the world economy, and perhaps on other subjects including
the Falklands.
CONFIDENTIAL