TNAG-2186-FCO40-3123-Ethnic-minorities-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 24

A.

We particularly enjoyed welcoming President Venkataraman on his State Visit. As you know there has always been a steady flow of Ministerial and official visits in both directions between Britain and India, reflecting the breadth and depth of our longstanding close relations. We consider the state of relations between Britain and India are excellent. But we never stop looking for ways of strengthening them further.

Q7.

In 1991 there is an Engineering Trade Fair in India where Britain is the "Partner country". There is talk of Prince Charles and Princess Diana being present. Is this true?

Would a senior member of your cabinet also be attending?

A.

I know that the Prince and Princess of Wales are looking forward to visiting India in February next year, but it is too early to discuss the details of their programme.

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Mr Peter Lilley, is hoping to visit India at the time of the Indian Engineering Trade Fair, which is going to be a clear demonstration of the importance of our commercial links with India. We are delighted that Britain will be partner country at next year's fair, and there has been a splendid response by British companies wishing to take part. It will be a very major event.

Q8. There is a possibility of war between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.

In view of the fact that both are Commonwealth countries and the Asian community in the UK comprises of people from both countries, there is a possibility of a "fall-out in the UK". Do you envisage any role that Britain could play as the "honest broker?".

A.

We have naturally been deeply concerned about the tension over Kashmir between India and Pakistan, who are both friends of Britain. We welcome the statement by prominent leaders in both countries that neither wishes for war. In our many contacts with both governments we have said we believe the dispute over Kashmir can only be settled by agreement between them, in line with the 1972 Simla Agreement, which they both agree has relevance. We have offered to help resolve the problem, but only if both sides would like us to do so.

Meanwhile we have welcomed the talks that have been taking place between the two Governments, aimed at reducing tension through confidence building measures, and hope that these will soon make progress.

TOFABK