TNAG-0337-FCO40-373-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster--Sir-Geoff-1972 — Page 52

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Mr Laidler EID(1)

BRIEFS FOR MR RIPPON'S TOUR OF ASIA AND AFRICA

1.

XI

We have been asked by EAD and SWPD for briefs on sterling for Mr. Rippon's tour. SAD and HKIOD have not yet been in touch with us, but I would expect sterling to feature in any discussions that Mr. Rippon may have in Hong Kong, Delhi and Dacca.

2. I therefore confirmed with Mr. Rippon's office that one standard brief on sterling, for use in all countries included in the tour except Thailand, would be acceptable. We shall probably produce a paragraph or two on the floating of sterling, and some material on exchange control and the Sterling Agreements: these latter two items both have EEC implications. In addition, it may be useful for Mr. Rippon to have summary notes of the main demands put to the UK by the countries concerned during the present of discussions on the future of the Sterling Agreements, though the Governments concerned will not of course expect Mr. Rippon to negotiate on the se himself.

17th August 1972

Copies to:

Mr. Slater (SAD)

ichard comm

TL Richard son

Financial Policy & Aid Dept.

Mr. Fitzherbert (SWPD)

Mr. Crowson (HKIOD)

Mr. Wallace (EAD)

Mr. Grattan

Miss Wheatley

DD 896639 140609 500M 7/71 GM 3643/2