CONFIDENTIAL
FROM:
DATE:
CC:
SNP Hemans, Soviet Dept
1 February 1989
MAED FED
HKD
Mr Smallman, Protocol Dept
Col Durrant, Protocol Dept
PRINCE OF WALES'S MOSCOW STOPOVER
1. Thank you for your minute of 27 January.
2.
I have consulted Ministers who agree that there would be no objection to a refuelling stop nor, if it happened, to a high level encounter with the Russians at the airport. They also agree that we should delay approaching the Russians about it as long as possible as it would be more difficult to get out of the stopover without causing offence than to make the arrangements. Ministers agree that the initial approach to the Russians should be made on the diplomatic net via the Embassy in Moscow, preferably after the Gorbachev visit, ie after 7 April.
3.
I hope this meets your arrangements. I would be grateful if Soviet Department could be consulted before instructions are sent to Moscow.
HKB 040/4
N612 Mr Forman Mr Morrissen
Wo
1/2
SNP Hemans
Soviet Department
CONFIDENTIAL
17