his important speech on 16 January, peace requires both East and West to
work together to defuse tensions and regional conflicts.
24. I do not have inflated expectations of what any single meeting, or even
a series of meetings, can achieve. Even in areas where common interests
are acknowledged, Soviet diplomacy relies heavily on the well-padded chair
and Soviet policy works in a time-frame which can be frustrating to the
We must draw the appropriate conclusions, and show ourselves ready
for the long haul. We have done so successfully in the past, and I see no
reason why we should not do so again.
West.
25. The fact that Mr Chernenko has now come to power in the Soviet Union
does not suggest change in the basic lines of Soviet policy. But there has
been evidence of some change of tone. We should not expect miracles or
quick fixes. But this may nevertheless be the right moment to take the
first steps along a road towards a more substantial relationship.
least, there is a hypothesis there which needs to be taken with an open
mind. There is a long and distinguished tradition of British involvement
At the
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