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(d) to press for a greater commitment in the Philippines from British firms, including investment.
(e) to oppose what they perceive as protectionism in the European
Community.
ATMOSPHERICS
4. The Secretary of State will find the President and her Cabinet
members friendly and easy interlocutors. Manglapus' style is urbane
and erudite with some shrewd nationalism underneath.
5.
Mrs Aquino's government seems more stable after her latest appointments and the local government elections. Her growing confidence has been demonstrated by her recent successful visit to
China and the use of Manila as venue for the ASEAN Summit meeting. She is still preoccupied by several problems:
-
the uncertain loyalty of the armed forces.
(the embarrassment of Honasan's continued freedom).
CPP/NPA activity which remains undiminished.
A precarious economy.
Land reform bill.
The US bases negotiations.
MNLF and other Moslem group activity.
6. Mr Manglapus can be expected to want dialogue on a wide range of
international events, as he showed at Duesseldorf. This will
probably be the most interesting meeting the Secretary of State will
have. He will probably be keen to talk about:
G
US bases negotiations including nuclear issues.
Mini-Marshall Plan.
ASEAN Summit and EC/ASEAN meeting.
His views on democracy and global politics.
Although he has not so far shown a personal interest in them, he
may raise a number of Hong Kong/Philippines problems such as domestics and the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank.
7.
Mr Reyes (Secretary for Transport and Communications) is very well qualified in computer technology (see personality note). He will be happy to discuss the Plessey contract and will probably be
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Private notes are available after approval.