TNAG-2181-FCO40-3118-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 140

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STEERING BRIEF

CONFIDENTIAL

Introduction

1.

The visit is timely, and should consolidate the

successful Anglo-Italian Summit on 23 February. The 2+4

process is launched. We can look forward to the Dublin European Council, the Italian Presidency and the NATO

Summit. Domestically, local elections on 6-7 May have

consolidated the ruling Coalition's position.

UK Objectives

2.

Our general objectives are traditional: to show the

Italians that we take them seriously; to persuade them that

our own positions are based on sound argumentation; and

thereby to influence Italian attitudes, or at least to

minimize their mischief-making, especially on EC and NATO.

(The Department is currently taking a critical look at this

standing approach to Anglo-Italian relations against the

prospect of the Italian Presidency, but at present we see no

ground to modify our customary approach).

Italian Objectives

3. The Italians will want to encourage us to go along with, or not actively obstruct, their EC Presidency

objectives so as to maximise their eventual achievement.

They will probably let off steam about 2+4 and will expound their vision of European Architecture, including

De Michelis' regional cooperation ideas.

Programme

4.

Talks with Andreotti, in the presence of De Michelis,

are scheduled for 1200 on 16 May. These are likely to centre around EC and NATO issues and Germany. The Secretary of State might also raise Argentina (para 12 below) and the State Visit of President Cossiga (para 16). A working lunch immediately afterwards, hosted by De Michelis, will address

AH2AAD/2

CONFIDENTIAL