TNAG-1152-FCO40-1432-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-Commonwealth-1982 — Page 122

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4.

CPA Annual Conferences are gatherings at which Commonwealth Parliamentarians exchange views on political, economic and other subjects of mutual interest. No resolutions are passed and no communiqué is issued. These meetings do, however, provide an opportunity for our MPs to explain the British point of view on current issues to as many as 200 other Parliamentarians from a wide selection of developed and developing Commonwealth countries.

5.

It is expected that virtually all Commonwealth countries and dependent territories which have parliaments will send delegates. In federal countries both federal and provincial parliaments are entitled to representation. Certain countries, whose membership is in abeyance, will not be represented at this year's Conference. Such countries, or provinces, are those where parliamentary institutions have not been functioning, e.g. Grenada, Bangladesh and Ghana.

6.

A large number of the delegations will be led by ministers. If you have any useful information on any of the delegates from your area, we would be pleased to receive it by 6 October at the latest. A very brief thumbnail sketch of the leader of each country's delegation would also be useful. We would particularly like any forewarning you can give us of topics that delegates may raise that will necessitate special defensive briefing of the British party.

event

J Illman

Commonwealth Coordination Department

cc. See list attached.