TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 274

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keen to explore the possibilities of further British involvement in

Philippine communications (British Telecom and Cable and Wireless).

8. Mr Concepcion (Secretary for Trade and Industry) is dynamic and

popular, but sometimes shows erratic political judgement. He will

be keen to discuss UK-Philippines trade and British involvement in

Philippine industry (e.g. debt relief, the EC Oils and Fats Tax proposal and further British investment). He is also interested in issues in the EC/GATT context. He is not likely to raise ATP or

ECGD issues.

PRESS

9.

There is no consistent anti-Philippine coverage in the UK.

Sensational events (like Honasan's escape) grab the headlines in a

transitory manner, but there is no extensive coverage, as yet, of

human rights issues. UK Press coverage is therefore likely to be

favourable.

HUMAN RIGHTS

10. Mrs Aquino has made considerable progress, but there has been

an increase since mid-1987 in detentions and in extra-judicial killings by groups close to the armed forces. Amnesty International

have taken these up.

SOUTH EAST ASIAN DEPARTMENT

MAY 1988

CONFIDENTIAL