TNAG-1143-FCO40-1423-Hong-Kong-and-the-Falkland-Islands-crisis-1982 — Page 49

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In OD(SA) on 1st July we had some discussion of the proposed service of thanksgiving and remembrance. You informed the

House of Commons on the same afternoon that the service would

take place, and my officials are in touch with the Dean of St Paul's concerning its form. They are well aware of the points which have caused you concern.

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2. The seating capacity for the service will be about 2,500

or slightly fewer if TV and radio facilities are provided. I believe that the emphasis should be on the attendance of those closely connected with the campaign. I would suggest that some 600 seats should be allocated to the next of kin of the British dead; and about 1000 to a group which, with strong emphasis on units and ships involved in the conflict, should represent the Services, the Merchant Navy (including the National Union of Seamen), the Dockyards, NAAFI and similar organisations, and the civilian ports and shipbuilders involved. In addition some 500 seats should be allocated to the Royal Party (20), the Cabinet (40), other representatives of the Government (30), opposition parties (50), other MPs (70), Ministry of Defence, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Home Civil Service with particular emphasis on those directly involved (190), and 100 representatives from other countries. This would leave about 400 seats available for the general public and I would suggest that these should be allocated by ballot.

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