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DRA REPLY TO J R RATHBONE MP
Thank you for your private secretary's letter dated 20 August 1982 enclosing one from
Mr Waller of Hong Kong.
I am glad that Mr Waller is reassured about the assistance given to the relatives of
Chinese seamen. Our first thoughts have always been concerned with the welfare of the
families of those who lost their lives during the Falkland Islands Operation.
Immediately after bereavement I believe the relatives most needed the practical
assistance that our specialist Welfare Officers could give.
On the question of publicity in the local press, you will appreciate that this is
outside our direct control. The media has been given full details of levels of
compensation and pensions, but I regret that there was initially some ill-informed
comment. I am told however that some more recent articles have painted a truer picture,
and Mr Waller may have seen these since he wrote his letter. I note what Mr Waller
has to say about the wider implications for HMG's image of adverse publicity and my
officials have brought his comments to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office.
Mr Waller mentions the Prime Minister's forthcoming visit and he will be interested to
know that Mrs Thatcher will be meeting representatives of Chinese RFA seamen and their
families on 27 September.
The last two paragraphs of Mr Waller's letter relate to design of ships and I feel that
I cannot usefully add anything to the remarks I made in my letter of 17 August.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.