German Democratic Republic (GDR): Leipzig Spring and Autumn Fairs, 1982

A file of correspondence and reports concerning the spring and autumn Leipzig fairs. The documents include reviews of both fairs, covering British representation, the visits of British businessmen, East German demands for enhanced credit facilities, issues caused by East Germany's lack of hard currency, details of the commercial transactions of British representatives, and a visit by the East German leader, Erich Honecker, to the British stand. Other documents in the file cover arrangements for representatives from the British Department of Trade, including the trade minister, Peter Rees, to visit the fair; possible visits to the Leipzig spring fair by members of the London and Birmingham chambers of commerce; East German press reports on East Germany's commercial relations with France; and reports that France has arranged new credit facilities for the sale of metals to East Germany. The file also includes briefs on the internal political situation in East Germany and on Anglo-East German relations.