TNAG-1313-FCO40-1688-Future-of-Hong-Kong-views-and-involvement-of-Australia--Cana-1984 — Page 115

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COMMONWEALTH SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING (CSOM) BRIDGETOWN,

BARBADOS 12

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14 DECEMBER 1984

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1. Arthur Watson's minute of 28 June asked if you could identify any subjects which it might be in British interests to raise at this year's meeting of Commonwealth Senior Officials. In response to member governments' representations the Commonwealth

Secretary-General has drawn up the attached provisional agenda. From this and from the list of topics compiled from departments' replies to the above minute, I have drawn up the attached list of suggested briefs indicating lead (and contributing) departments.

2. The British Delegation will be led by Sir Antony Acland and the agreed list of briefs will be submitted to PS/PUS on 12 November for approval. We have assumed that bilateral briefs for discussions with Canadian, Australian and New Zealand colleagues will be required as on previous occasions. The programme at CSOM's is usually intense and it is not anticipated that time will permit other formalised bilateral exchanges but if there is a strong case for the PUS to talk with eg the Indians or the Nigerians, please make a bid outlining the compelling reasons.

3. Although members of the British delegation are all from the FCO this year it will be essential to ensure that the views of other Whitehall Departments are taken into account as necessary. We (CCD) shall also need to ensure that the Cabinet Office are kept informed and have an opportunity to comment and/or contribute. However the fact of having an all FCO delegation may diminish the need for all-embracing briefing and we have therefore suggested greater selectivity in the briefing required at B - E. If you have any comments either on the subjects or their allocation please let me have them in writing or by phone to Brian Canty on 233 4959 by close of play Friday, 9 November 1984.

4. Once PS/PUS has confirmed the extent of briefing required I shall follow up with a minute confirming the format and deadline. Our missions in Commonwealth capitals have been asked to provide personality notes on host delegations unless already held in FCO geographical departments.

7 November 1984

cc: PS/PUS

J Illman

Commonwealth Coordination Dept

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