TNAG-0325-FCO40-361-Proposed-visit-by-the-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1972 — Page 84

Mr. Graham

CONFIDENTIAL

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POSSIBLE VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO MOSCOW

I have of course discussed the possibilities with Mr. Bullard and agree with his submission of 28 July.

This minute is no more than a supplementary thought.

2.

3. Mr. Bullard states the cons in regard to a visit in May, 1972 and I agree with what he says about the pros for a visit in February. At this stage it is obviously impossible to forecast how major issues like Berlin, MBFRS etc. will shape up over the months ahead and it might be that on such issues a visit in May could be useful, although I would have thought that by February in any event we ought to know one way or the other whether the Berlin talks will succeed or not. There is, however, this to be said for a visit in May, that in all likelihood it would mean that the Secretary of State would have been the last major Western visitor to Moscow before the Spring NATO meeting of Ministers (which will presumably be, in June as usual). It would thus enable the Secretary of State to make a very real contribution (albeit perhaps negative rather than positive) to the NATO meeting.

4.

But so far as I am concerned and subject to developments in Moscow later in the year, I should make it clear that either date would be perfectly all right.

29 July 1971

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Mr. Wiggin Mr. Bullard

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J E Killick

CONFIDENTIAL