TNAG-1473-FCO40-2004-Visits-by-MPs-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 171

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H. S Jove 1(f). Accuratey Rein. 5

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From:

Date:

Peter Westmacott 19 February 1986

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Mr Adams, SEAD

CC:

Dr Wilson

Mr Bacon, PRU

PARLIAMENTARY VISIT TO THAILAND

1. Four MPs, Mr Adley, Mr Faulds, Mr Hicks and Mr Hickmet called on Mr Renton this morning to discuss their recent visit to Thailand. They made the following points:

a)

Their Thai hosts had been extremely keen to be invited back to the UK. The MPS were in touch with David Crouch MP about a possible IPU invitation. They hoped that the FCO would give careful consideration to issuing COI invitations to individuals, such as Squadron Leader Prasong, their host Mr Sampot, and the Clerk of the Baghdad Parliament, Mr Burirat. Mr Renton said that he was very much in favour of thickening up our relations and promised that we would look seriously at these candidates.

b) They had been impressed by the agricultural scheme designed to provide alternative crops in areas hitherto used for opium-growing. The seven Aylesbury Ducks (sic) provided by the Ambassador from the HOMGS had been much appreciated, but were far fewer than the 20 requested. It would be worth doing more to help this project.

c) The BMA was creating difficulties for young doctors wishing to help with the Cambodian refugee problem, since the time they spent in Thailand was not counted as part of their medical experience for UK purposes. The MPS had written to the BMA to complain. They hoped that the FCO would feel able to do likewise.

d) They had seen no evidence to support Thai claims that the Cambodian refugee population was a strain on the Thai economy. Rather, they had the impression that the money spent in support of the 250,000 refugees helped the Thai economy, since most of it was used to acquire Thai produce.

e) They had sensed a strong inclination on the part of senior Thais to develop their links with European countries and to reduce their dependence on the United States.

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