CONFIDENTIAL
would the Americans be likely to agree. Presumably a valid reason for refusing such a mission would be the absence of any permanent population in the colony. But if the Committee of 24 considered decolonisation to be their business per se and if concern over Anglo-American plans is sustained, then I would think that the Committee might well assert an interest in BIOT. A decision to cooperate in the Committee's work might make it marginally more difficult for us to withstand such pressure.
22 April 1974
сс
Mr Weir
Mr Thomson Mr Campbell
Mr Larmour
Mr Youde
Miss Solesby, UN Dept.
DC Shia
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocea Dept.
1
t
B