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02612
Reference....
BUL 060/1
46
WIN
William
Mr Elliott (FED)
2 5 MAY 2
Mr Clift (HKG)
Kr Burns (SEAD)
No cae
216
SELECT COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE
1.
Resubmit with pp.
To 241/5
The House of Commons Select Committee on Defence are to visit Washington, Tokyo and Hong Kong from 28 June to 13 July. As an afterthought they have decided to go also to Brunei on 14/15 July. PCCU are coordinating the visit arrangements with the posts concerned, keeping FED, HKGD and Defence Dept and now SEAD informed as necessary.
2.
There is no specific theme for these visits. In Washington apart from some procurement/sales items, they will discuss with the State and Defense Depts the role of the Japenese defence forces. In Tokyo they will meet senior people in the political-defence field including the Foreign Minister and the Head of the Defence Agency, to discuss defence policy and "their view of burden-sharing among free world countries". The local US military view will also probably be taken. The purpose of the visit to Hong Kong is to examine the current and likely future roles of British forces, the conditions of British service- men and the defence costs agreement; and I imagine the Committee will wish to do much the same in Brunei.
3.
Throughout their tour, the Committee will be "taking evidence", and may wish to publish a report on their findings in due course. PCCU will give guidance to posts on relations with the Committee, but we also need to consider what political background briefing, written or oral, on the countries concerned it would be advisable to offer to the Committee before departure. Posts will also need to be advised how to handle discussion with the Committee on the more sensitive subjects likely to come up.
4.
(a)
(b)
I would welcome your advice
on whether to offer a general oral briefing (at Ministerial or Under Secretary level); and
on which topics it would be advisable to offer a written brief (not for publication, and possibly classified).
1
See (50
cc: Mr Donald
Mr Gregory-Hood (Defence Dept)
A GR Butler
Parliamentary Commissioner and
Committees Unit.
233-3952
24 May 1982
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