Browse Items (9 total)

Encouraging signs - visitors are arriving fully briefed and can enter straight into discussions; hope for relaxation of funding rule; grattude from Cato; expression that efforts of UK diplomatic service have helped the situation

First page: Response to Bottomley's request of £5000 (CC#467); in first instance unwilling to do this as it would set a precedent for other preemptive measures, such as for flood preparation in India and Pakistan; however, willing to use £5000 gift…

Reply to Prof Sutton regarding provision of seismometers; reaffirms the lack of funds available to do this from FCO; suggests that the Overseas Development Administration may be of help.

Third page: subsequent message to ODA.

Conveyance of decision to change naval vessel distance from 24hr to 72hr; attaches letter from Rucker MOD to Watkins FCO (CC#513)

Conveyance of Rucker's letter regarding the decision to change naval vessels to a 72 hour distance; request for guidance on response.
Second page are notes in response to above from Fawcett and Newsam, concede that 72 hours will need to be accepted,…

Letter reporting that four seismometers have been found that can be loaned for use in St Vincent; advises that the maintenance of an adequate monitoring system will be essential; proposes that financial support for this should be provided by UK govt.

A letter summarising the response on-island by the premier and other, e.g. police; reports hopefulness of the growth of confidence. Also refers to offer of assistance by Hywel george.

Report from Newsam, from Hankey, from Bottomley, from Kerr, that Treasury is sympathetic to the issue raised by Roberts letter and advised of the points needed to be made. Kerr has offered to write the final draft if he is sent Hankey's minutes.

Concern that the lack of funds from UK, in light of so much support from NGOs, might become 'embarrassing'; relaxation of no eruption, no funds rule being pushed for; response from treasury not yet clear.