TNAG-0183-FCO40-219-Briefs-for-Ministry-of-Defence-Ministerial-visits-1969 — Page 103

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Dr. Owon, the Under Secretary of State for the Royal Navy, wishes to visit Royal Navy ships and outablishments in the Middle East and Far East during the Eastor recoso. These will be mainly for the purpose of acquainting himself at first hand with the problems facing the Navy in ita forthcoming withdrewal from these arena; but it would also of course give hin a very welcome opportunity to ace and talk with the Navy at work abroad. I attach a proposed skeleton programme for this visit.

Dr. Owen would wish his wife to accompany him on this visit. As you may remember Mrs. Foley accompanied Kr. Foley on a similar tour last year when he was Under Secretary of State for the Navy. Her presence was immensely valuable and her time was taken up by a series of visita to wolfaro centres, schools, hospitals and naval wives associations. Mrs. Owen's programme would follow the same pattern. I would be accompanying the Minister and it may be that & naval officer would also be present throughout as a naval adviser, This latter point has not yet boon finally settled. All travel would be by service aircraft nad at no point would Mrs. Owen's presence deprive a servicoman of his seat in the aircraft.

The Secretary of State for Defence has expressed his concurrence with this proposal and I am copying this letter to the Private Secretary to the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary so that he can put his Master's comments to you before you put the proposal to the Prime Minister for his approval. I am also copying this letter to the Chief Whips Office.

Private Secretary

R.J.

Dawe De' Dotme Miniator

1

ZCEIVED IN

HIVES No.31

4 | MAR 1969;

THAKKIN

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