1.8
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference....
REGISTARMO 31
1974
Mr Goulden (Planning Staff W10)
HKSI
SEA BED AND COASTAL WATERS RESOURCES
OF BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES
1. I refer to your minute of 16 January and Miss Bishop's minute of 22 January.
2. In paragraph 1 of your draft, under "Indian Ocean" it would I think be more correct to say that Seychelles had "substantial quantities of fish" within its 200 mile zone, rather than "some fish".
3. Fish, with rice, has long been the Seychelles staple diet.
A British fisheries officer was appointed some 18 months ago under technical assistance to assist in exploiting the Seychelles resources of fish more efficiently. There are however manpower problems. The Japanese have offered to come to an agreement with the Seychelles authorities for the exploitation of their fish resources, but there is a substantial fear that the Japanese would over-fish the area.
14. It would be wrong to conclude, as suggested in the 5th paragraph of Miss Bishop's minute, that the possible fish and sea bed resources might make the Seychelles economically self-sufficient and, therefore, ready for independence. The development of tourism is a much more important factor, although of course fish can help both to feed the tourists and as an additional resource. The existence of the resource would I think be only a minor factor in deciding whether the territory should move to independence. Local wishes, and perhaps strategic considerations, would be much more important.
5. I understand that Mr Champion will be writing to Governors as suggested in paragraph 2 of your minute.
R B Crowson
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department
31 January 1974
cc: Miss Bishop (Research Dept G117/3)
M&TD (G69B/1)
Mrs Maccoll (G710/G)
Mr Champion (G&GD K273)
CONFIDENTIAL