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suggested that the second category would grow if there was a progressive movement back. Mr Maude pointed out the
There would always be people who would resist.
difficulties.
4.
Mr Maude emphasised the importance of the UK, Malaysia, and Thailand working closely together. The Vietnamese would always have a tendency to play the three off against one another. Abu Hassan agreed that Malaysia and the UK needed to get together, he was not sure about Thailand. Hashim Taib suggested that Thailand was also thinking about bilateral discussions. But the Vietnamese would continue to hide behind the Americans until they changed their position.
5.
Abu Hassan wished Mr Maude a successful visit and asked to hear how it went. Mr Maude wondered whether it might be useful for the three countries most concerned to have joint discussion. Vietnam; he had not mentioned this to the Thai Foreign Minister, /with but it would make clear to the Vietnamese that the three countries could not be separated. Abu Hassan said that Thailand did not treat the problem as urgent. He agreed that Malaysia
and the UK should keep in close touch.
6. After a slight hesitation, Abu Hassan raised
Prince Charles's speech at Kew and his remarks on the Penan. Mr Maude thought that Dr Mahathir had dealt well that morning with this question and suggested he might like to send the text to His Royal Highness
Malaysia and the UK shared concern for the environment: producer interests needed to be addressed, too, and solutions found that were acceptable to everyone.
16 February 1990
Nicola Brus
Nicola Brewer
Private Secretary/Francis Maude
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