CONFIDENTIAL
31 October, 1966.
TS 100235.
The Foreign Secretary has asked me to write to you about the programme for State Visits in 1967. This question was discussed at the Burke Trend Committee on 18 October and only two inward State Visits from foreign countries were agreed in principle. For these Mr. Brown would like to recommend King Feisal of Saudi Arabia and President Sunay of Turkey.
An informal approach has already been made to King Feisal and it is understood that he would be glad to come here in May 1967. He could probably not come before this as he has to remain in his country for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and he likes to receive distinguished pilgrims thereafter. It seems to us that this Visit would provide an admirable opportunity for Ministers to discuss British policy with King Feisal before Southern Arabia becomes independent in 1968.
There are also strong reasons for inviting President Sunay to visit this country. State visits have been exchanged with Greece and Iran who are neighbouring countries to Turkey. We are allies of Turkey both in N.A.T.0, and C.E.N.T.O. and we depend on Turkey's goodwill for vital overflying facilities. General Sunay is a moderate and a visit is especially desirable in view of Turkish feeling that we have not lived up to our obligations as a guarantor of the Cyprus Agreement. Moreover the United States, the Soviet Union, Western Germany and other countries of Western and Eastern Europe, as well as Turkey's Asian neighbours, have been more attentive to Turkey than we have.
The Foreign- Secretary would like an approach to be made to Sir Michael Adeane as soon as possible, particularly as the suggested guests are already filling up their programmes for next year. I should therefore be grateful to know whether the Prime Minister agrees to Mr. Brown's
/proposals. A. M. Palliser, Esq., C.M.G.,
10 Downing Street.
9
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