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about the need to manitari confidance in teke, ou search for acceptable antione to the
talks etc?!
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RESTRICTED
RECORD OF A COURTESY CALL MADE BY THE NEW
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Mr. Hoare Myi Mr Macces Mr Hum M. COPE.
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MAURITIUS HIGH
COMMISSIONER ON THE MINISTER OF STATE AT 11.45 AM ON
16 NOVEMBER 1983
Mr Rifkind
Mr Martin
Mr Hunt
1.
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25711 Mr.Morris
Present:
Mr Gian Nath
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have drawn on! Mr Rifkind welcomed Mr Nath back to London and then asked where
the present emphasis was in Mauritian economic policy. Mr Nath said that it was to attract inward investment, particularly from
Hong Kong. The aim was to persuade those millionaires who were anxious to leave, to bring their money and managerial skills to
Mauritius.
A delegation would be going to Hong Kong on 21 November
to try to persuade them to do so.
ตุ
2. After a short discussion on the ethnic composition of Mauritius during which Mr Nath said that he did not foresee there being any communal problems, Mr Rifkind asked about constitutional developments. Mr Nath said that it was hoped to move to Republican status on
27 December if the Government could command the necessary three quarters majority, but the MMM might oppose the Government. They were known to be unhappy about the role to be given to the President in the Republic; in their view he should be more than a figure head. Sir Seewoosaqur Ramgoolam, the President designate, was physically
frail but still very alert mentally.
3.
Mr Rifkind asked what were the present priorities for the new Government. Mr Nath said that the new Government would be doing all in its power to sell Mauritian goods abroad in the hope of reducing unemployment below the present level of 20%. Mr Nath confirmed that Mauritius was having difficulties with the EEC on sugar, caused in large part by increased French sugar beet production which was affecting prices and demand.
The meeting ended at 1200 hours.
East African Department
22 November 1983
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RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
28 NOV 1983
DESK OF
INDEX
PPUISTRY
Lion Taken
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