TNAG-1747-FCO40-2466-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 213

Mr Burns,

SAD

Ri

нев

HRB 007/3. 15 JAN 089

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Possible Visit to Sri Lanka: Speech

The Secretary of State has considered your submission of 30 December. He regards the advantages and drawbacks of a visit to Sri Lanka as fairly evenly balanced. therefore agrees with Mr Gillmore that much careful thought will be needed before a firm decision to go is taken, and before we discuss the idea with the Sri Lankan authorities.

If the visit does take place, the Secretary of State thinks your outline a reasonable starting point. But he has some sympathy with Mr Gladstone's preference for some regional references. These should so far as possible be friendly to India (India's territorial integrity, helpful role in Sri Lanka etc).

I have minuted separately about the overall pattern of speeches on this Easter trip.

7 January 1988

cc: Mr Gillmore

Mr McLaren

Mr Hum, HKD

Mr Adams, SEAD

Mr Meyer, News Dept

Mr Gore-Booth, Planners

Arben

(R N Culshaw)