CONFIDENTIAL
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Mr. Vilford
Mr. W.S. Carter
When Mr. Royle discussed the outline terms of reference with Lord Shepherd, the Minister of State warned him of the dangers of using the term "constitutional problems" in the context of the proposed study.
Mr. Royle took the point, and said that he would avoid reference to it.
2. I have since spoken to Mr. Royle, who has explained that the word "constitutional" now included in the terms of reference was re-inserted at the direct request of Mr. Heath. Apparently he thought the word "constitutional" more appropriate than the word 'administrative". The suggestion (put to me by Mr. Royle) that as the word "constitutional" was sandwiched between the words "economic" and "social", the impact was lessened, struck me as being somewhat naive.
3. It was unfortunate that the Conservative Party decided to give publicity to the terms of reference as they now stand; given the nature of politics, however, I suppose this was inevitable. I gather that the terins of reference were conveyed to the Governor before publication.
4. Incidentally, Lord Shepherd was assured by Mr. Royle that the results of the Committee's study would be for the information of the Conservative Party only: whether the documents can be kept sufficiently secure is, however, another matter.
5. I have discussed this with Lord Shepherd, who is prepared to see hr. Royle ard to stress again the points made in the fourth paragraph of Mr. Carter's minutë.
6. In regard to 'X' of Mr. Wilford's minute, Lord Shepherd sees no objection to those ex-members of the Diplomatic Service being "tapped" and perhaps steered.
3.
(C.H. Godden)
3 March, 1970
CONFIDENTIAL
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