CONFIDENTIAL
DSR 11C
ANGLO-GERMAN SUMMIT: 8-9 NOVEMBER
GENERAL BRIEF
Introduction
1. At this Summit, as at the Anglo-French on 20/21
October, discussion is likely to be dominated by the
post-Stuttgart Negotiation and East-West relations, in
particular INF.
2.
Anglo-German relations are in good shape. Thanks to
frequent meetings at the top, the will to co-operate is
strong. But there is still plenty of scope to give this
political and practicaple effect. The Prime Minister,
who last met Chancellor Kohl over dinner in Bonn on
21 September after her visit to British Forces Germany,
will find him pre-occupied with the domestic problems of
INF deployment. The SPD, at their special conference on
18-19 November, are expected to come out against
deployment. The Bundestag debate is now scheduled for 21
November. The Germans have given assurances that,
failing progress in Geneva, deployment in Germany will
follow immediately thereafter.
3. Kohl's personal position remains strong, although his
supremacy is not as clear cut as in the aftermath of his
victory in the 6 March Federal Elections. There has been
criticism of his lack of grip and of his style of relaxed
management. There is impatience with the Government's
CONFIDENTIAL
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