CONFIDENTIAL
for the 1984 Economic Summit which will fall in the
middle of the US election year.
Bilateral Problems
18. British interests are currently threatened by a
number of American actions in the field of trade and
commerce. The use of the Export Administration Act, the
application of unitary taxation and the anti-trust suit
against British airlines are obvious examples. The Prime
Minister might point out that the political and economic
damage, which American actions in this field cause to the
United States's closest allies, threatens the fabric of
the Alliance as a whole.
Sympathetic American officials
have made it known that they think it would be helpful if
the main points at issue were put to the President
personally by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister
might propose that there should be further discussion
among officials of the implications for our relations,
while reaffirming the importance which we attach to
securing improvements in the Export Administration Act
and the elimination of Unitary Taxation provisions.
Thatchercould underline British willingness in return to
play an effective role in supporting US efforts to
regulate the flow of technology to the Soviet bloc.
Mrs
HANDLING OF OTHER MEETINGS
19. Much of the same ground can be covered in the Prime
Minister's meetings with the Members of the
Administration, particularly Vice President Bush.
Economic subjects will obviously predominate with Mr
CONFIDENTIAL