1.
LV ZOOM IN TO CU Dr. Bedo von Schenck arrives & enters
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2.
MV Other members of delegation greeted & walk to conference room
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3.
CU Sign 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs'
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4.
GV Icelandic delegation seated
1.01

5.
GV PAN West German delegation seated
1.07

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GV PAN Delegates around table
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Initials ESP/2231 ESP/2242



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Icelandic officials and a West German delegation held two hours of talks in Reykjavik on Tuesday (3 April) in an attempt to resolve the fisheries dispute between the two countries.

The meeting came close to cancellation when 22 West German trawlers sailed into Iceland's unilaterally-declared 50-mils (80 kms) limit the morning of the talks.

But the trawlers left the area within hours and the meetings took place. The leader of the West German delegation, Dr. Bedo von Schenck, said it was pure coincidence that the trawlers arrived the day the talks began and he believed it was out of the question that trawler owners were trying t influence the negotiations.

West Germany, like several other Atlantic fishing nations, contends that Iceland's unilateral extension of the fishing limits was contrary to international law. Iceland moved the limits from 12 to 50 miles (19 to 80 kilometres) from its coast in September.

Even as the West Germans were holding their talks, there were incidents between the Icelandic Coast Guard and British trawlers in which the trawl wires of several vessels were cut.

As the talks with the West Germans began, Iceland suggested to Britain that ministerial negotiations, broken off last November, be resumed.

After the first meeting with the Icelandic officials, the members of the West German delegation said the talks were helpful, and would continue.