TNAG-1229-FCO40-1542-Possible-visit-by-the-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1983 — Page 15

DSR 11

when?

Africa

4.

Although the Secretary of State has agreed to visit

sent Nigeria, the Nigerians have not yet issued a formal

invitation. This has to await the appointment of a new

Nigerian Foreign Minister. As matters stand, the High

Commission in Lagos have told the Nigerian Ministry of

Foreign Affairs at a senior official level that the

Secretary of State would like to go and have proposed a

visit of three days in the week beginning 9 January. Sir

J Leahy is intending to discuss the visit further with th

Nigerian at CHOGM, In addition to the visit to Nigeria,

Secretary of State might find it an interesting contrast

go to one of the francophone countries.

Coast is probably the best choice from a commercial point

of view. The business prospects in Senegal are poor and

Department of Trade Minister is already planning to go to

Cameroon shortly, I understand that the Secretary of Sta

went to Gambon when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer.

do not think that the countries north of the Sahara merit

early visit by the Secretary of State when he is being

accompanied by businessmen.

Far East

5.

Of these, the Iv

As to possible overseas visits during the Easter peric

the balance would seem to tip in favour of Japan and the

Far East. We initiated annual political consultations

aimed at showing attention to the Japanese and involving

them increasingly in Western decision taking in 1981, and

was the Secretary of State's turn to go to Japan this aut!

A visit during the Easter recess would give him the

opportunity to meet members of the new Japanese Government

(elections are expected in December or January) before the

Economic Summit. As Mr Tebbit's visit to Japan is now

Dd 0532000 400 M HMSO Bracknell

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