TNAG-1257-FCO40-1590-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 155

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democratic system. The military government in Pakistan was no bar to a dialogue. But the Indians had discovered some time ago that the Pakistani mission in London was active in support of Sikh secessionists in the Punjab. The Pakistanis were giving red- carpet treatment to Indian Sikhs on pilgrimage. Mr Rasgotra had tackled his Fakistan opposite number about this in July. Since Mr Naik's return to Islamabad there had been some change, but there was continued evidence of Pakistani involvement in these objectionable activities. Now trouble had broken out in Sind. The Indians had seen this coming for a long time. India was not involved, and not interested in becoming involved: but the Pakistanis continued to make provocative statements about the possibility of Indian involvement. These differences should not be allowed to prevent continued discussions, but they did affect the atmosphere and timing. The next bilateral meeting had been postponed, and might not now take place before the next meeting of Foreign Ministers of the South Asian Regional Cooperation (SARC) in February.

Sri Lanka

5. Sir Julian Bullard expressed concern about developments in Sri Lanka. The UK had very close relations with Sri Lanka, and public opinion had been greatly distressed by the civil disorders of the summer. Although order seemed now to have been restored, our anxiety remained. We were glad to have had opportunities, in London and New York, for discussions with Mr Rasgotra and Mr Parthasarathy. India and the UK shared an interest in a resolution of Sri Lanka's political problems. We were committed to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka and wanted to assist in the process of reconciliation between the different communities there. We had recently had talks with the Sri Lankan Finance Minister in London. It was clear that the President's freedom of manoeuvre was limited. Mrs Gandhi had behaved in a states- manlike manner throughout. Did the Indians see any chance of reconciliation through a more devolved political structure in Sri Lanka? Mr Rasgotra said Mrs Gandhi thought there was a chance. Mr Parthasarathy was the ideal man for the Indian good offices' exercise. His visit to Sri Lanka had had a calming effect on Tamils on both countries. A second visit had been due in October and had now been delayed. The timing would be important, since Tamil MPs had a deadline by which they had to attend the Parliament in Colombo or lose their seats. The excuse for the delay was that India/Sri Lanka discussions could take place during President Jayewardene's visit to Delhi for CHGM. The Sri Lankans were now engaged in an exercise to flush out terrorists: the Indians were watching carefully to see whether this inflamed the atmosphere again. Now the Sri Lankans were accusing India of sheltering Tamil terrorists. But the Indians believed there were only some 300 of these in Sri Lanka; and controlling their movements in and out of India by small boats was impossible. India was certainly not seeking to aid them in any way. The situation called for restraint and wisdom on both sides. did not seem to be exerting himself very much.

President Jayewardene Sir Julian Bullard

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/said