CONFIDENTIAL
-
13. Natwar Singh was pleased by the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, which obviously went well. He suggested to me that perhaps the Duke of Kent might take on something of the role of a Mountbatten someone senior to whom, on Indian matters, both sides could turn when in trouble. This is an interesting idea that could be worth pursuing by yourself. suggestion itself and its historical roots encapsulate the paradox of Anglo-Indian relations.
The
14. I was handed a list by Natwar Singh of recent remarks by Tory politicians ranging from David Waddington through Anthony Kershaw and John Biggs-Davison to Terry Dicks that were openly critical of Indian Government policy or personalities. Every one of these is noted down as evidence of anti-Indian bias in our Party. We all know this is a running problem with which Janet Young and Norman Tebbit are trying to deal. I will discuss it further with John Houston. I am writing a separate note to Janet Young about other aspects of our bilateral relations that came up in my talks.
15.
I am very grateful to Sir David and Lady Akers-Jones for coping with us at very short notice and to Robert and Sally Wade-Gery for looking after and entertaining so many of us very well.
Tumi Renta
Tim Renton
CONFIDENTIAL