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Mr. Fookyman Musal State
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NOTE FOR THE RECORD
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: M A Pakenham
: 19 January 1989
Vilanese B. propie
Repatria file to
Sir D Hannay
Mr de Fonblanque
Mr Richmond
Ms Glynn
36
smile
Miss Spencer ECD (E), FCO
Mr Weston SED, FCO
Mr Young MED, FCO
Mr Goulty NENAD, FCO
Mr Hum, HKD, FCO
Mr Johnson EEP/DTI
CALL ON MR JUAN PRAT, CHEF DE CABINET TO COMMISSIONER MATUTES, 19 JANUARY
1.
During my call on Mr Prat today, during which we spoke about the new Advisor to Matutes and EC/Argentine relations (both reported separately) we also covered a number of other issues in Matutes' portfolio.
2. Prat denied that there was any truth in the rumour that Arafat would be coming to Brussels next week for a meeting with Commissioner. This was clearly a misunderstanding of the meeting between Arafat and the Troika which would take place in Madrid on 27 January and which Matutes would attend on behalf of the Commission. Prat also noted that earlier today Matutes had seen both a represenative of the PLO, and the Israeli Ambassador (though not simultaneously); he was also due to see Sharon here on 1-2 February. Prat would not be drawn very far on the outcome of today's meetings, but made a point of the unexpectedly positive line taken by the Israeli Ambassador. As a result Matutes had been "not discouraged" by these two exchanges, and while under no illusions about the tough slog ahead, thought that the prospects were not entirely bleak.
3. On EC/GCC, I noted that Bishara would be here to see Matutes at the beginning of next week. Prat was inclined to dismiss the visit as not of any great interest - Bishara certainly did not carry the weight of Kurdi, and discussions about the second-stage agreement would be unlikely to get very far. In any case, Prat confirmed that (as Matutes had told Sir D Hannay last week) Matutes' views were very close to our own, and a very long way from those of Cheysson. It seemed likely to Prat that EC relations with the GCC would in future develop at a much slower pace than the Commission had earlier been pressing.
4. In the light of FCO telno 167 to Hong Kong (reporting the Asia Working Group discussion on 13 January) I took this chance to register with Prat our concerns that the Commission and others should not distinguish between the voluntary and involuntary return of "refugees" to Vietnam. Prat was unsighted, but welcomed the news that Vinas already had a detailed account of our views which he undertook to consult when next talking to Matutes.
5.
On EC/Turkey (my earlier note of today) Prat said that Matutes and he had also been puzzled by Delors' reference in his speech to
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