CONFIDENTIAL
DSR 11C
But
politically, the shadow over the Bonn coaliton remains
the weakness of the junior coalition partner, Herr
Genscher's Liberal FDP. The FDP failed at the 5% hurdle
in the regional elections in Bremen on 25 September.
their unexpected success in regional representation in
the much more important election in Hesse has partially
dispelled doubts about Genscher's future as FDP Chairman
and more important as Kohl's Vice-Chancellor and Foreign
Minister. The Bavarian leader, Strauss, whose ambition
shows no sign of waning as he gets older, is keeping up
his efforts to secure Genscher's posts. If he succeeds
it will be because of the FDP's weakness, rather than
through his own popularity.
5. The Prime Minister will wish to consider fairly soon
who should accompany her to Bonn. Much will depend on
what sort of agenda is eventually agreed. But apart from
the Prime Minister and the Foreign and Commonwealth
Secretary, it would be usual to include the Chancellor of
the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Defence. In
view of the importance of Community topics (and the fact
that the Athens Special Council will begin later on 9
November) we have alerted the Minister of Agriculture.
It might also be appropriate to include the Secretary of
State for Trade and Industry. Although his opposite
number, Count Lambsdorff, is expected to visit London on
1 November for brief talks with Mr Parkinson, Mr Lawson
and Mr Walker, it could be useful for Mr Parkinson to
engage him more fully in the EC negotiations.
the Ministers concerned know that they may be needed.
All
CONFIDENTIAL