formerly part of Mauritius.
Seychelles and Mauritius were
fully compensated when the islands were detached and their Governments at the time agreed to the arrangement. There is an Anglo-American Naval Communications facility on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago, which may be expanded. The Opposition in Seychelles are likely to go on pressing for the return of the three islands which used to form part of Seychelles. The re-elected Chief Minister has told us that if the se islands are not to be used for defence purposes, he would like to have them returned to augment the tourist attraction of the Seychelles. As there are no permanent inhabitants, we do not recognise BIOT as a non-self-governing territory, but the Committee of 24 nevertheless consider it (criticially).
5. British Solomon Islands Protectorate
No objections to a visiting mission provided that the local Government had been consulted and agreed.
6. British Virgin Islands
No objection to a visiting mission provided that the local Government had been consulted and agreed.
7.
Cayman Islands
8.
9.
The Islands are
We would not welcome a visiting mission. dependent for their prosperity on their tax-haven status and a visiting mission would be likely to produce unhelpful discussion in the Committee.
Falkland Islands, and Dependencies
Sovereignty over the Falkland Islands is claimed by Argentina and renewed discussions on this issue are likely to start soon. The dependencies are not included in the discussions. A visiting mission in the immediate future to either the Falkland Islands or the Dependencies would not be helpful or welcome. The Committee of 24 would not agree to one unless the Argentine so wished.
Gibraltar
Sovereignty claimed by Spain. In the preamble to the Constitution, HMG have undertaken never to "enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against their freely expressed wishes". Strategic- ally important. A UN General Assembly Resolution of 18 December 1968, against which HMG voted, recommended that the UK should decolonise Gibraltar by secession to Spain no later than 1 October 1969. HMG's aim and interest lies in trying to avoid exacerbating our differences with Spain. A visit by the Committee would be likely to escalate them. HMG did invite the Committee to visit Gibraltar in 1967 but this was declined at Spain's instigation.
/10. Gilbert
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