TNAG-1143-FCO40-1423-Hong-Kong-and-the-Falkland-Islands-crisis-1982 — Page 60

:

would mean that even those countries which opposed us, such

as Panama, would be included in the general invitation; and if

we simply gave places to those who applied the resulting group

might bear little relation to the real support given to us by

their governments,

7. To invite no diplomatic representatives would avoid the

problem of possibly causing offence. The Service could be

presented as a national occasion. No other country provided

actual troops (except the Gurkhas, which are a special case,

as part of the British army). Letters could be sent to the

representatives of the countries which supported us most

strongly, explaining on this basis why they have not been

invited. Most of these countries have already been extensively

thanked already. However, it would be extremely strange not

to invite the New Zealand High Commissioner, considering the

very prompt and extremely positive support which his country

has given.

8. An alternative approach would be to invite the represen-

tatives of NATO and Commonwealth countries. This would avoid

HMG having to make any invidious judgements about the degree

of support given by individual countries. Also, it is these

countries which have been the most supportive. Other countries

such as Senegal or Jordan which had given valuable support

could be informed that the occasion was being restricted to

members of the two groups. However, NATO now includes Spain,

and the Commonwealth includes Grenada, Seychelles and Cyprus,

all of which have been distinctly unhelpful, or worse.

>

>

9. If any members of the Diplomatic Corps are invited, other

official representatives would have a comparable claim for

places. The Secretary General of the Commonwealth has been a

resolute and vigorous supporter of the UK over the entire con-

flict. If he is to be offered a place, there is a comparable

/claim

Page 60Page 61