TNAG-2710-FCO40-3916-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 6

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Mr D Thomson

Parliamentary Relations Unit

Reference. Ps. Kels wit

155

Reference: scotting

HKB 011/6

SCOTT INQUIRY : PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

~STRY

AC 1993

DESK OFFICER

INS

PA

1. I attach two PQS in response to your minute of 12 August. We did not give the fullest possible replies to them for reasons of diplomatic sensitivity or confidentiality. The

first question (4 March) posed a problem of timing. We were

at a critical stage in our talks about talks with China. However we did eventually give a full explanation, as promised. The second question (10 June) concerned the talks

themselves, which we had agreed with China should remain

confidential until they had reached a conclusion.

2.

These may not, therefore, meet your particular bill, since the reasons for our reticence would have been pretty

obvious to the House.

3. I see you did not copy your minute to EAU. Might they not have some good examples? Or perhaps you were wanting to

spare them.

K. Sanders

K.A.M.SAUNDERS

HKD

WH 311

3544

17 August 1993

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