Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 18:18:32 +0000

Message-ID: <0000E575.@cbarker.co.uk>

From: rsherry@cbarker.co.uk (Rachel Sherry)

Subject: Cannabis march

To: O.Dupuis@agora.stm.it

Dear M Dupuis

Re Decriminalise Cannabis Demonstration

On behalf of the Independent on Sunday, may I thank you for your agreement to speak at the rally at Trafalgar Square which follows the march from Hyde Park on Saturday 28 March.

The interest from readers and the media has been considerable and we are hoping for a great and uplifting day when people in this country can show just how deeply they feel about the pro-cannabis movement.

As you are already probably aware, the march will be assembling at Reformers Tree, Hyde Park from 12.00 noon and we expect to move off by 1.00 pm. All wheelchair users will be at the head of the march to set the pace. Obviously, we would want all the speakers to be at the head, or near the head of the march, so that they are at the square in good time. If for any reason the person speaking before you is not there, I will be asking you to go on slightly earlier.

The police expect the head of the march to arrive at Trafalgar Square in about one a quarter hours ie 2.15pm. They are keen that the rally begins immediately, in order to capture the attention of marchers as they stream into the square. The speeches will begin within five en minutes of the head of the march arriving. We have organised a PA system and I will be there to ensure that the speakers know where they are going for the rally speaker point. An engineer will be on hand to ensure sound quality (we hope!). You have a maximum of ten minutes, but to be effective, I would suggest that you try to make it less. I would expect the rally to be over by 3.45 p.m.

Here is the speaker running order:

- Stephanie Walker (an ms sufferer)

- Danny Kushlick, Transform

- Marco Pannella, founder of the Italian Radical Party

- Olivier Dupuis, MEP

- Mike Goodman, Release

- A.N. Other

- Gianfranco Dell'Alba, MEP

- Caroline Coon, artist, original founder of Release

- Paul Flynn MP

- Howard Marks

- Rosie Boycott, editor, Independent on Sunday

Should you have any queries, please do give me a call on 0171 830 8419 (office); 0189278 5071 (home) or 0370 306683 (mobile).

Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you at Hyde Park.

Warmest best wishes and once again many thanks

Jane Larcombe

Director Public Relations (Independent on Sunday)