From The Minister of State
De Rolet,
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
NFY 020/1
RECEIVED
London SW1A 2AH
30 May 1990
C.....
DESK OFFICER
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INDEX
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44
Thank you for your letter of 11 May in which you commented on. my reply to your parliamentary question of 9 May.
However
I am sorry that you were disappointed with my reply. I stand by my statement that the absence of diplomatic relations with Syria stems from Syrian involvement in terrorist activities. As the issues on which you have touched are sensitive, it is difficult for me to speak as frankly as I would wish. But I can tell you that the evidence available to us still indicates that Syria has not yet fully purged its connection with terrorism. The named individual is still in a position of considerable influence. The PFLP-GC continues to enjoy Syrian hospitality and the Lockerbie investigation may cast doubt on Syrian claims that its act has been cleaned up. We cannot depend solely on public declarations to test whether Syria means business.
Whilst I agree that the Iranians hold most of the cards on the hostages, I believe that the Syrians could do more, if they wished, to help secure the release of the British hostages held in; Lebanon. As a tangible demonstration of Syrian goodwill this would, as I said, have a positive effect on the climate for improving relations. Without some such demonstration I would find it difficult to commend a resumption of relations to the House which showed considerable understanding at the time for their rupture.
Having said that I would be the first to agree that Syria is a key player in the Middle East; and we have detected some signs of a possible change of direction in Syria's foreign policy. I assure you that we shall be ready to respond as soon as it becomes apparent that an improvement in our relations is possible. As a matter of principle I am in favour of having Embassies in the region open rather than closed.
Robert Adley MP House of Commons LONDON SW1A OAA
POYAAU
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The Rt Hon William Waldegrave
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