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1. DEFENCE PROGRAMME
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THE DEFENCE SECRETARY drew the attention of the Committee to
an article in the Financial Times for 8th December which suggested
that a further major defence review was imminent. He emphasised
the danger of Press speculation as to the Government's future decisions
on its programme following devaluation.
The Committee
Agreed that the briefing of Press correspondents should
not, particularly at this difficult juncture, deal with matters on which Government decisions had not yet been taken.
2.
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES
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THE PRIME MINISTER said that he was considering a visit to
President Johnson in the United States some time early in the New Year.
The most likely time for the visit was in February.
In advance
of the visit there would be an opportunity for appropriate discussion
by Ministers of the main subjects likely to be raised.
The Committee
Took note of the Prime Minister's statement.
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3.
RHODESIA POLICY
(Previous Reference: OPD (67) 33rd Meeting, Item 1)
The Committee had before them a memorandum by the Commonwealth
Secretary (OPD (67) 89 on future policy towards Rhodesia, together with a number of background papers (OPD (67) 90-94).
The Committee's discussion is recorded separately.
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