TNAG-1838-FCO40-2613-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 5

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3.

"Negotiations with other Governments are normally

conducted in strict confidence. Officials should take care in discussing or giving written evidence matters which may affect relations with other Governments or bodies, including the European Community, or relations between British officials and those of other Governments. Texts of communications between Governments, unless already made public, should be regarded as confidential and should not be submitted as evidence without prior approval of the Minister concerned."

I expect you will wish to stress again, in your reply, the importance of trying to sort out practical solutions as to whom the FAC will summon and the manner in which their examination will be conducted. It will be very important, of course, to avoid conflicts about who is entitled, as a matter of law, to do or say (or refuse to do or say) what. like to see your reply telegram in draft.

I should

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D M Edwards