CONFIDENTIAL
(a) Because of its strategic links with Vietnam a visit to Thailand night
prove embarrassing in relation to our doreștic politics as well as to our international relations; while consideration of the possibility of our
applying to join the European Economic Community might affect the views of
other Commonwealth Governments.
(e) The Defence Secretary would be visiting South East Asia in May. It
night therefore be desirable to await the results of his visit to explain
the implications of the defence run-down in that area before taking a final
decision on the proposed Royal Visit. If a decision were taken in May
this would allow adequate time for the preparation of a visit. The
Governor General of Australia and the Governor General of New Zealand
would be informed in advance if The Queen were to undertake such a visit.
Nevertheless even in May it might be difficult to reach a final decision
since the effects of the defence run-down would not have made themselves
felt by that date.
THE CHAIRMAN, summing up the discussion, said that it would be desirable to give further consideration to the proposed visit when the Committee net for their half-yearly meeting in May to discuss the forward
programme of Royal- Visits.
The Committee
-(1) Took note of RV(67) 1 and 2.
(2) Invited Sir Saville Garner to inform the Private Secretary
to The Queen by letter why certain territories in
South East Asia night preferably be omitted fron a Royal itinerary.
(3) Agreed to resume in May their discussion on the possible
Roual visit to South East Asia.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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