demonstrate that point of view shows that this is a free society and within
the law people are entitled to express their point of view. But I think the
overwhelming majority of British people will think they are wrong, that to
throw away our arms on a one-sided basis is exactly the way to invite an
aggressor to take us over. All our history shows us that, and in their hearts the British people know that very well. So I don't think it's particularly helpful but of course all our defences in fact exist for the right of people
to express their opinions. That's what free democracy is about. That's what
the history of our Parliament and our country is all about and I think you
will find that our Ministers here, all of us, and the public generally and
outside commentators are showing time and time again that their arguments are
illogical and wrong and dangerous. They would make war more likely rather than
less likely and they do not hold a point of view which the majority of British
people hold.
Q:What can be achieved by such State visits as the British Monarchs to Sweden
and earlier the Swedish King to England? What is the meaning of a State Visit
in our time?
A: It symbolises the depth of friendship. It symbolises the areas of
our separate histories which have been mutual and I think it is of great
significance, the state visit, both ways. Each country takes much more notice
of the other during the course of a state visit. But there are other things
too that happen. There are artistic exchanges, exhibitions are put on, all
sorts of exchanges of that kind, quite apart from trade and business which in
fact is the most important of all. When you think of the infinite diversity
of the relationship between our two countries and then when you get a Royal
visit, either to Sweden or Britain, then somehow it does symbolise in a magical
mystical way the extent of that friendship and I think everybody enjoys it.
Q: Arafat has been in Sweden. Do you have any intention in the future that
you are going to meet Arafat?
A:
The speech I made sets out my assessment of the present problem in the
Middle East. It is immensely serious and I'm not seeking to apportion blame.
I set out the situation as I see it. I am very glad that the American Secretary of State has now gone there. He has got a formidable task ahead of him and I
hope very much that he brings negotiations, for example over the withdrawal from
Lebanon, to a successful conclusion. For our part, we have been trying to do
anything and everything we can to further the peace making process. We gave
full support to the Reagan Plan from the outset. We have been in touch with
all the parties concerned, and almost all of them are very enthusiastic that