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15 April 2009

North America Team

WH2.324

King Charles Street

London

SW1A 2AH

Mr John Simpson,

By email: [FOI #8545 email]

Dear Sir,

Your Freedom of Information Request: Ref: 0172-09

I am writing to confirm that the FCO has now completed its search for the information which you requested on 27 February 2009. In that request you asked for;

`'Any documents or communications made between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Scottish Executive or the Scotland Office over First Minister Alex Salmond and his recent visit to the United States of America.

The Scotland Act which created the role of First Minister made clear that International relations and foreign affairs remain a reserved matter. Has the FCO tried to remind Mr Salmond that he is not the president of Scotland and when he goes abroad spreading his separatist agenda he should not be using his position as First Minister for such a task. Has the First Minister violated any rules by his recent actions?

Finally please inform me under the Freedom of Information Act if there was at least 1 British Official from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office / British Embassy at the meeting between First Minister Alex Salmond and the United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.''

I can confirm that the FCO holds some information relevant to your request.

However, your original request (0172-09) was overtaken by your clarifying email of 30 March 2009. As a result we have understood that you no longer wish for us to proceed with the above request. This letter only addresses the information requested in your subsequent email and the initial FOI request is now considered as closed.

Question 1:

Who originally requested the meeting between the American Secretary of State (or a State Department official) and the First Minister of Scotland take place? Was it the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, The Scottish Executive, the Scotland Office or the United States Department of State?

Answer: The Scottish Government Counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington.

Question 2:

Was the Scotland Office consulted or informed the meeting would be taking place?

Answer: They were informed through the FCO in London.

Question 3:

Was the Foreign and Commonwealth Office / British Embassy responsible for arranging the meeting between the First Minister and U.S Secretary of State?

Answer: Arrangements were made by the Scottish Government Counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington.

Question 4:

Was someone from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office / British Embassy present at all times in the meeting between the First Minister and U.S Secretary of State?

Answer: The Scottish Government Counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington attended the meeting.

Question 5:

Finally, was the issue of Scottish independence mentioned at any time in the meeting between the two?

Answer: No.

If you are unhappy with the way the FCO has handled your request, you may ask for an internal review. You should contact the Information Rights Team, e-mail: [email address] if you wish to complain. You have 40 working days to do so from the date our response has issued.

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely,

Gavin Crockard

North America Team

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