TNAG-1260-FCO40-1600-Briefings-for-Ministers-and-FCO-officials-on-the-future-of-H-1983 — Page 118

CONFIDENTIAL

Briefing

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TALKS BETWEEN THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FOR MALAYSIA AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE, TUESDAY, 26 JULY, 1983, AT 1 CARLTON GARDENS

Present:

16

The Secretary of State,

the Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Howe QC MP

The Minister of State,

Mr Richard Luce MP

Mr A E Donald

Mr R Burges Watson

Mr J E Holmes

HE Tan Sri Ghazali Shafie,

Minister of Foreign Affairs for Malaysia

HE Mr MH Kassim, High Commissione

for Malaysia

MICK040/11

RECEIVED IN WEGTSÍTKY

1983

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Welcoming Tan Sri Ghazali Shafie, Sir Geoffrey Howe said he was glad that Britain's relationship with Malaysia was now on a good footing. Tan Sri Ghazali was pleased to be able to meet the Secre- tary of State. There was nothing he wished to say about bilateral relations, except that he hoped that they would continue to develop and improve. Malaysia had been hard hit by the recession, but was fortified by a good credit position. A high level of construction work had helped to maintain employment.

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Sir Geoffrey Howe asked about Carcosa. Tan Sri Ghazali replied that the solution which had been proposed would enable the UK to do what she liked there would be no problem in selling the land if she so wished. Sir Geoffrey agreed that the solution seemed to be a feasible one.

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Tan Sri Ghazali Shafie said that Malaysia was taking advantage of the extra £5m, to encourage studies of the English language. high standard of English helped Malaysia in her international rela- tions. The standard had fallen considerably compared to 20 years ago, reflecting the growth of Malaysian nationalism, but all was not lost and parents were now urging more English study for functional reasons. Sir Geoffrey observed that the use of English enabled the meetings of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers to be intimate and effective. In the UK too, the value of language study was now more widely recognised.

4. Tan Sir Ghazali Shafie said that Mr Nakasone, who had recently visited Kuala Lumpur, was a remarkable character.(so was his Foreign Minister). He was unlike most Japanese leaders in his willingness to take decisions. Sir Geoffrey Howe referred to a meeting with Mr Nakasone when he was the MITI Minister. He had recognised then the need for liberalisation, and had seemed outward-looking and spontaneous. Mr Donald added that his good relations with Mr Tanaka had helped Mr Nakasone.

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