over the precise form and size of the meeting, it would not have been appropriate for the Prime Minister herself to take part.
10. If the British Government is to be represented, it would need to be at Ministerial level. Attendance by senior officials would have little public impact. Unfortunately, we have been unable to idenfity a Minister who would be free to attend at such short notice. The Secretary of State and other FCO Ministers have, at
We have consulted the the moment, other engagements at that time.
DES to see if Mr Jackson would be able to attend in view of his responsibilities for Higher Education. He too could attend only by
breaking constituency engagements.
11. There seem to be only two possibilities:
a) for a Government Whip to be asked to represent the
Government. A Whip would however not be as familiar as FCO Minister with the political sensitivities involved;
b) for Lord Glenarthur, who is also attending the
Prime Minister's reception for Mr Hawke, to attend the opening stages of the memorial meeting.
I consider that b) would be the preferable solution.
an
12. In any event, replying to the invitation would provide an opportunity for a message of support for the aims of the memorial
meeting.
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ANR Millington
1
Far Eastern Department
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