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freedom of action. But there was a cat and mouse situation; a man could hold a press conference today and be arrested two weeks later. On the subject of trade unions, there regrettably existed divisions which were characteristic of Spain. The UGT was active in parts of the country, and Workers Commissions, which were largely under the influence of the Communist Party but not entirely so, held sway elsewhere. Sometimes the UGT participated in the Commissions. The TUC wanted to see a unified trade union movement because it was easier to influence than a divided movement. There were signs that the need for unity was recognised within Spain itself and the attitude in that country seemed more realistic than in Portugal. Mr Callaghan hoped that the TUC would share their information with him and said he had no knowledge of the EEC entering into discussions with Spain on the question of membership. Mr Jones believed that business opinion favoured concessions to Spain but repeated his view that it would be wrong for the EEC to make any concessions before Spain conceded progress on the political front. Mr Callaghan referred to a particular problem in which Britain had to decide whether to raise with Spain a trading point which would be particularly advantageous to us. In reply to Mr Jones' expression of concern that any concession to the new Government of Spain would invoke criticism within the TUC,
Mr Callaghan gave an assurance that the TUC would be fully advised on the circumstances which would make the outcome particularly advantageous to this country.
13. Mr Plant asked that the Labour Attaché should be requested to ascertain the present position regarding the ILO study on the trade union movement in Spain. The Spanish authorities had agreed to publish this report and subsequently there had been a slight easement in the trade union situation in the public sector. Trade unions had been allowed but the Government had insisted on appointing the Presidents and General Secretaries. It would be useful if the Labour Attaché could report on the present position and Mr Callaghan said he would be asked to do so.
Chile
14. Mr Rowlands, replying to Mr Jones' concern over the continuing repressive actions of the Junta, stated that he had seen the Chilean Ambassador three times recently, especially over the position of Dr Sheila Cassidy. We wanted her to be released and allowed to return to the United Kingdom and it was vital that nothing should be done which would jeopardise her chances. As recently as that same afternoon, the Chilean Ambassador had said he was hopeful that progress might be made. Mr Jones referred to the recent dissolution of the Chilean Interdenominational Co-operation Committee for Peace whose only fault in the eyes of the Junta was its humanitarian activities. He also condemned the failure of the Chilean authorities to follow up the recommendations made by the ILO Fact-Finding and Conciliation Committee which had investigated complaints about
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