7. The Sub-committee were of the view that the question with regard to the proposed visit to South Africa was not whether but when. It should almost certainly take place after the proposed visit to Nigeria and the precise timing would be subject to the satisfactory resolution of a number of internal and external problems affecting our bilateral relations. A visit could best be combined with one to Mozambique and possibly Angola.
8. As to the proposed visit to Switzerland the Sub-committee felt that a visit to Switzerland was not a high priority. However, the United Kingdom's Falklands interests required close contact with the Swiss and it would be helpful if the Secretary of State could go to Switzerland this year. The Sub- committee suggested that the Secretary of State's visit to Italy in November on WEU business might provide the opportunity.
9. The Sub-committee noted that the timing of the proposed visit to Nigeria remained uncertain. If it had to be fitted in quickly a short visit of perhaps 11 days could be adequate.
10. As to the proposed visit to Jordan, the Sub-committee suggested that, the Secretary of State not having accompanied The Queen on her State Visit in March 1984, a visit by him was now overdue. However, its timing would be affected by the Prime Minister's travel intentions. If she did not go to Jordan in September, the Secretary of State might go in the first half of 1986. If the Prime Minister did go then, the Secretary of State's visit could perhaps be deferred until later in 1986.
Other FCO Ministers
11. The Sub-committee endorsed the proposal that Lady Young might go to Australia and New Zealand, principally to maintain Ministerial contact.
12. The Sub-committee endorsed the proposal that Lady Young should visit the Nordic countries. They noted that the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State had fully covered Western and Eastern Europe. Although the Nordic countries had invited the Prime Minister to visit them there seemed to be little prospect that she would be able to go. Equally it seemed unlikely that the Secretary of State would be able to undertake substantive visits (he plans to go to Helsinki on CSCE business in July and will stop over in Denmark for one day on the way). Substantive visits by Lady Young would ensure that the Nordics did not feel left out.
13. The Sub-committee noted that Mr Rifkind planned to visit West Africa.
14. The Sub-committee noted that Mr Luce planned to visit China and Thailand for ten days in September and Hong Kong and Djakarta (Heads of Mission) in October. Brunei had no immediate priority.
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