زوجی
Reference...
Mr. Champion (G&GD)
Copies:
Mr. Larmour
Mr. Stuart (HKIOD)✓ Mr. Cox (WIAD) Mr. Bullock (PDTD))
Mrs. Maccoll (DTEU) Mr. Kerr (FRD) Mr. Rae (ODM)
Mr. Ensor (ODM)
THE FUTURE OF THE DEPENDENT. TERRITORIES
1.
RECEIVED IN
AISTRY MCFT
If I may say so, I think the paper attached to your minute of 27 November gives a good account of the. "colonial problem" and the options given. With respect, however, I question' the need to consult the Defence and Oversea Policy Committee. It seems to be hardly necessary to consult the DOPC merely to secure agreement to a study being made of each dependent territory (which is all that the conclusion seeks)...
2.
I would have thought that these studies could perfectly properly be put in hand on the authority of FCO and ODM Ministers - perhaps Ministerial authority is not necessary at all. (In fact, DEVDIV Bridgetown are at present engaged on economic surveys of the WIAS without the blessing of any specific Ministerial authority so far as I know.)
3. I suggest that only after those studies have been made and we are ready to make recommendations for action (constitutional and economic) in each territory need we put the proposals to DOPC.
I would have wished to see in the paper rather more guidance on exactly how HMG might accelerate the decolonisation process short of forcing independence upon dependencies which do not want it. The paper says that "it would be logical actively to promote a desire for independence even if this does not already exist, and our aid and information policies should be directed to this end". Frankly I am puzzled to know how to apply
In the case of such policies to Bermuda and the WIAS. Bermuda we give no aid; the Government (United Bermuda Party) is not at present asking for independence, but the Opposition (PIP) does have "independence" as a plank in their programme. In those circumstances how could HIG's information policies advocate independence without creating a first-class political row? I imagine that this sort of situation may well be found in other territories.
5. The Associated States are, of course, a special case. Since there is already statutory provision for an Associated State to make itself independent at any time by unilateral action, I think there is little G can do except make encouraging noises when leaders speak of independence or possibly oblige them by making a State independent by Order in Council if asked to do so action which in this case. (as in the case of Grenada was strongly criticised' by Labour Peers and MPs).
/6. On a point
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