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SOUTH ASIA
From the FCO standpoint, there is a strong case for visits by the Speaker both to India and to Pakistan.
India. Our relations continue to be troubled by Indian concern at
Criticisms of HMG's the activities of Sikh extremists in the UK. "leniency" towards Sikh extremists are frequently voiced by members of the Indian Parliament, the vast majority of whom are now drawn
A visit by the Speaker could do from the ruling Congress (I) Party. much to correct the widespread misapprehensions among Indian MPs and would help to underline the importance we place on the bilateral relationship. A visit would also serve to signal our continuing awareness of the vitality of India's democratic system, in the survival of which we and the West have a substantial long term interest. An extended visit around the time of the Commonwealth Speakers' Conference in New Delhi next January might overlap with a proposed visit by the Secretary of State of Defence, but this should not be a major problem.
Pakistan. A visit by the Speaker would serve both to signal our support for Pakistan's gradual move towards a more democratic system and to strengthen the self confidence of the newly established National Assembly, in particular of its Speaker, Mr Fakr Iman, who has already expressed interest in parliamentary contacts with the UK and readmission to the IPU in due course.
Nepal. We would give this a lower priority than India and Pakistan. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will be visiting from 17/18 - 21 February but this should not affect a visit by the Speaker if he wished to visit.
SOUTH EAST ASIA
We are keen to maintain the momentum in our relations with South
There are East Asia following the Prime Minister's visit in April. various plans for Ministerial visits but we also wish to develop our ties in other fields. A visit by the Speaker to the region would be very appropriate and would doubtless be welcomed by Parliaments there.
Taking into account the Speaker's preference for visiting Commonwealth countries, we would recommend considering visits to Malaysia (with whom we need to make particular efforts to remain on If time permitted there would good terms) and, briefly, Singapore. be a strong case for the Speaker taking the opportunity also to go either to Thailand or Indonesia.
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