TNAG-2227-FCO40-3199-Political-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Commonwealth-count-1991 — Page 127

25 March 1991

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Foreign & Commonwealth

Office

London SW1A 2AH

Stephen,

Jear

HCG 39011 RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

- 2 APR 1991

BEEX OFFICES

REGEX

The

Commonwealth NGO Trust Fund

Sir C Powell recorded in his letter of 22 January, reporting the Commonwealth Secretary-General's call on the Prime Minister, Chief Anyaoku's statement that he proposed to launch a £10 million Trust Fund for Commonwealth Voluntary Organisations to mark the 40th Anniversary of Her Majesty's Accession. also raised it with the Foreign Secretary.

He later

We understand that exchanges are still going on between the Secretariat and other parties over the final form of this idea. It may be some time before the Secretary-General follows up the Prime Minister's

But what we have learnt so far invitation to write. suggests that the Prime Minister's scepticism is well-founded. We should act soon to divert the initiative into a more positive and acceptable direction.

The origin of the idea lies in several private sector initiatives suggesting a public appeal to mark the 40th Anniversary. None have found favour with the Palace. The idea of a more narrowly targeted appeal to Governments has however been welcomed by Her Private Secretary, and it is this that the Secretary-General is trying to develop. The present version would create a new institution (and bureaucracy) to administer the

This would work with investment income from the Fund.

the Secretariat and the Commonwealth Foundation (which already administers £1.5 million per annum of resources for Commonwealth professional and voluntary organisations).

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