PS/Mr Maude
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1. The Governor mentioned this visit to me on the telephone this morning. He thought that it would not be helpful for him to be in London at the same time as the OMELCO Delegation. To do so would raise the public profile of both visits and thus serve to increase public expectations. There would be suggestions of joint calls, etc. Since he could not very well ask the OMELCO Delegation to change their dates
(see below), the Governor thought he would have to change his own. He will consider the possibilities and let us have early suggestions. I had already told him that I thought Ministers were keen to see him in London.
2. The reason for the Delegation's visit is that OMELCO have heard of the plans for a Foreign Affairs Debate in the House of Commons in the week beginning 20 November (I gather it is likely to be on 23 or 24 November). I told the Governor that I hoped that the Delegation would not continue to lobby for right of abode for all. If they did so, after Ministers had made it repeatedly plain that this was not possible, they might harm their cause. Sir D Wilson said he thought it would be difficult for OMELCO to get off that hook, since they were publicly committed to it. But he would do his best to advise them to put their case in a way which would not antagonise people.
витри
3 November 1989
Cc: PS
Mr Gillmore
Mr Burns, News Dept Mr Paul, HKD
MC3ABC
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RJT McLaren