CONFIDENTIAL
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the absorptive capacity in many countries.
Moreover there is no
evidence to suggest that other donors particularly those who chose not to participate in IDA supplementary financing arrangements are prepared to subscribe to a Fund for Africa. We wish to maintain
burden sharing.
6. Lomé III. EDF VI has maintained Lomé II in real terms. A
figure of 7.5bn ECU (£4.3bn) has been put forward which is now being considered by all members of the Community as a result of the
negotiations this week.
7. As to quality of aid, Mr Pisani has been pressing the concept of a 'policy dialogue' which would mean a closer control on how the funds are spent on development projects. We support this along with
this emphasis on the quality of aid. We consider trade concessions to be as valuable as aid and here the French have traditionally been
obstructive.
9. As part of the UK Aid programme we have responded in several
ways. Overall we gave £236m in 1983 in bilateral aid to 47
countries in Africa. This was one third of all UK bilateral aid.
We have also given £60m so far this year in disaster relief for
Africa.
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