AUSTRALIA
A visit to Australia in 1988, the bicentennial year would be most appropriate. The Speaker is a Vice-Chairman of the Britain-Australia Bicentennial Committee; we understand that Parliament is already considering a gift to the Commonwealth Parliament; and the new Commonwealth Parliament building is due to open in May 1988.
WESTERN EUROPE
All Western European countries are considered appropriate for exchanges of visits. The Speaker has just completed successful visits to Sweden and Finland and he is expected to receive the Speakers of the Netherlands and FRG Parliaments this autumn. Hopefully the visit by the President of the Spanish Congress will also be reinstated.
The
We would see attractions in a visit by the Speaker to Iceland.
A visit by Althing claims to be the oldest Parliament in the world. the Speaker would be a major and much appreciated event. Given the extent of exchanges of visits with the other countries in Western Europe we would not wish to press their claims but if the Speaker's programme does have spare capacity countries such as Austria and Switzerland would be very useful destinations.
EASTERN EUROPE
at give any.
Our Soviet Department are in touch with our Embassy in Moscow about
We woul a possible visit by the Speaker to the USSR. priority to other Eastern European countries.
RESTRICTED
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.