TNAG-1747-FCO40-2466-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 169

Mr Adams, SEAD

Mr Moms Miss Sater

Лук

Lyn??

Cr="4

Pl.cc. Research Dept

(Ms Kazer) and all

other deptos. rom whom me commissionend, briefing

JD. 12/4.

20

Visit to South East Asia

The Secretary of State has asked me to record his warm thanks to all those who worked so hard to prepare his visit to South East Asia last week. He found the briefing to be of a very high standard and well presented: it is a tribute to the drafters that at no point in the visit was

any significant piece of background found to be missing, and the points to make were well focussed. He is most grateful for the care with which this work was done.

The Secretary of State has made just two suggestions, not in a critical spirit but for the benefit of Departments preparing future visits of this kind. First, a simple map of the region, and a brief history of each country, are always a great help. Second, when guest lists are prepared (normally by the posts rather than the department) it would be better for this to be done in compact form, suitable for popping in a pocket or handbag: as it is we too often have to either re-type or fold sheets of bulky foolscap.

Please pass on the Secretary of State's thanks to all those who were involved in the FCO in this successful visit.

HKB 027/3.

12 April 1988

cc: PS/Lord Glenarthur

PS/PUS

Mr Gillmore

Mr McLaren

Protocol Dept News Dept

..

(R N Culshaw)