HUD 406/2
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you
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for Weoph. Pl. menti (PS/FUS.
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From: Sir Patrick Wright Date: 1 March 1988
CC: Mr Caines, ODA
Miss Pestell Mr Smith, MRS Mr Goulty, NENAD Mr Hum, HKD
pa.
Mr Elam, CRD
BRITISH COUNCIL BOARD MEETING
1.
Thank you for your briefing for today's meeting, which I had to leave at 12.15, just as the discussion on the Corporate Plan was getting under way. You may nevertheless like to have some brief notes of other subjects raised. I also attach three papers (for you only) which were circulated to the Board.
Chairman's Visit to Egypt
2. Sir David Orr circulated a note of his visit (see enclosure). He earlier had a private word with me about a 'hiccup' which had occurred between HM Ambassador in Cairo and the British Council Representative, and which Sir David told me was the Representative's fault. From what he said, I gathered that the Representative had submitted some advice to President Mubarak (!) on something he should raise with the Prime Minister, without consulting the Ambassador. You may possibly know about this.
British Council's Art Collection
3. There was some renewed discussion of the possibility of 'de-accessioning' some of the British Council Art Collection in order to raise revenue. After the Director-General had virtually announced that the idea had been abandoned, there were some views expressed that the idea should be further explored, even if there was a risk that the Treasury would reward any revenue raised by a cut in Mixed Money. Mr Timothy Raison, in particular, said that he thought the idea was worth a further look and I think that a paper will now be produced for the Arts Subcommittee.
Hong Kong
4. After both Sir David Orr and the Chairman of the BBC had reported on their visits to Hong Kong, there was some questioning (again by Mr Timothy Raison) whether the Council were yet clear about their role in Hong Kong post 1997, and a general feeling that this should be discussed in due
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