Mr Burns
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CONFIDENTIAL
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2 1 NOV 1990
DESK OFFICEF
INDE.
PA
107/11
Ms Saunders
Ry7/11
Ming Marve
Mr McLaren Mr Hervey
Mr Walker, RAD.
Mr Davies, FED
Mr Paul, HKD
Mr Colvin, SEAD
7/11
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR ASIAN AFFAIRS
1.
You asked for comments, in your minute of 31 October, the idea of the Secretary of State speaking to the Society, next February.
on
2. We see no particular reason for the Secretary of State to deliver a speech at that period regarding South Asian affairs. But there will have been a number of important developments in the sub continent, including the elections in Pakistan; the turbulence in India, and a probable change of government; the IETF in mid-February; progress towards multi-party democracy in Nepal; and the war with the LTTE in Sri Lanka. All of these are subjects worthy of a speech by the Secretary of State, even if there is no particular requirement.
3. The audience would be respectable, and distinguished in Asian affars. So they would be an appropriate group for the Secretary of State to address. On balance, therefore, I think it worth the Secretary of State accepting if possible.
6 November, 1990
M.J. Willia
With
M J Williams
CONFIDENTIAL