Of the few remaining territories in Asia and its
adjacent seas for which the United Kingdom still retains
some political responsibility some may wish to proceed to
full independence, others may not. It is not our
intention to delay independence for those who desire it,
or to force it on those who do not..
Despite the difficulties we, with others, have
experienced in dealing with the world's most populous
nation, China, it remains the policy of Her Majesty's
Government to demonstrate to the Chinese that it is in
their interest to normalise relations.. We think it
important to break down the barriers between China and
the outside world by expanding contacts with them and
encouraging them to become responsible members of the
international community. It follows that it remains our
policy to see the occupation of the China seat in the
United Nations by Peking.
We are greatly impressed with the progress being made
by other Asian Great Powers, India, Pakistan and Japan,
and much value our relations with each of them. With
them, as with all the countries of Asia, we look forward
to friendly co-operation.
We hope that the tragic conflict in Vietnam may be,
although too slowly and painfully, drawing to a close.
Thereafter the security of that area, as of other areas in
Asia, should depend chiefly on mutual regional co-operation,
underpinned by the resources of the free world.
Our support will always be behind all who are working
for peace, the progress and the increasing prosperity of
/Asia,
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