Record Date

Recorded Duration

Recording Language

Accession No.

Type

Format

Conditions Governing Access

Conditions Governing Reproduction

Synopsis :

Recording contains a press conference with British Secretary Of State For Commonwealth Affairs, George Thomson at the  airport on his arrival in Singapore. He first gives a background statement for his visit to Singapore, the first as the Commonwealth Affairs Secretary. He says the develuation of the Pound (�) brings forward the review of all major areas of Britain's expenditures both in UK itself and overseas, where it has substantial commitments over defence abroad. The purpose of his visit to Singapore is to meet and discuss with PM Lee Kuan Yew and colleagues mainly on Britain's defence arrangement in Singapore. He explains it will be difficult to say publicly in details on matters meant for discussion. He adds however that Britain is 'not turning its back on friend and allies', more to 'face up to reality', and help only on basis of 'strong British economy'. He then takes questions from the press, who ask for clarifications and details, some of which the Secretary is not prepared to give nor able to answer prior to his meeting with the Singapore government.