TNAG-1143-FCO40-1423-Hong-Kong-and-the-Falkland-Islands-crisis-1982 — Page 68

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3. I would be grateful if colleagues would signify their agreement to these general proposals. If they are acceptable I suggest we should discuss briefly the way in which invitations should be extended to the other parties and MPs. Perhaps the

Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary could suggest a suitable list of representatives from other countries.

4.

As regards other ceremonies I understand that the City authorities are considering whether the Lord Mayor might offer a buffet luncheon in Guildhall for about 1300 people, of whom

as many as possible would be members of the Task Force and next

of kin of the fallen. No Royal participation is envisaged, but I understand that there has been a suggestion that you, the Lord Mayor, and the Chief of the Defence Staff might conduct a "walk-about" among the guests following the luncheon.

5. I should like to encourage this idea. It would be a signal mark of appreciation of the achievements of the Task Force and

the principles that they vindicated. At the same time it would

be distinguishable from the ceremonies that have in the past marked victories gained in wars where our national survival has been at stake. I understand that it is the only ceremony which the City authorities are envisaging and that they have not suggested that there should be a march through the City.

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I should be grateful for your early agreement and that of colleagues, both to enate planning to go forward anticipate possible leaks from within the City.

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7. I am copying this minute to OD(SA) colleagues and to Sir Robert Armstrong.

Ministry of Defence

5th July 1982

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(draft approved by the Secretary of state and signed

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