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Mr Elliott, FED
Mr Clift, HKGD
Mr Walden, Planning Staff
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4/11
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HEADS OF MISSION CONFERENCE: BANGKOK, 13-14 DECEMBER
1.
Following the discussion of this matter at Mr Donald's weekly prayer meeting last Thursday, I have discussed with Mr Giffard and I think it would now be helpful if those mainly concerned were to get together sometime this week with a view to deciding the specification for the discussion paper which I understand Planning Staff are willing in principle to write; elaborating the outline agenda as already communicated to posts in FCO telegram No. 393 to Bangkok; and considering outstanding points on the proposed attendance, both from posts and from London.
2. As regards the discussion paper, Mr Giffard's view, with which I respectfully agree, is that this should be kept very simple and very short. Mr. Cary of Planning Staff drafted a paper for the last such meeting, in Bangkok in January 1980.
It was, if I'dare say so, a little too sophisticated and Kissingeresque for the purpose: I am not sure that it was ever circulated. this occasion Mr Giffard would hope that we could produce a paper of not more than three sides at the most. This would have the advantage of allowing us to teleletter it out to posts far enough in advance of the Conference to enable Heads of Mission properly to focus their thoughts and contributions on the questions posed. Hopefully, this would lead to an orderly and connected discussion directed towards a limited number of main issues.
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3. As regards attendance from London. the present position is that Lord Belstead and his Private Secretary, together with Mr Giffard, will attend from FCO. I think I must be there too. And Mr Walden may feel that Planning Staff should be represented. This would, in theory at least, exceed by one the quota (Lord Belstead plus three) provided in the estimates. But no doubt the funds could be found. The regional Under Secretary from DOT, Mr Sunderland, has expressed a wish to be present. We await to hear whether the Director General of the British Council proposes to attend. ODA would propose to speak through the Head of SEADD, an Counsellor located in Bangkok.
ODA
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