CONFIDENTIAL
9. Delay would also risk wider undesirable consequences.
It would create great uncertainty in the Gilbert Islands, Tuvalu, and even more the New Hebrides, where the intense suspicion of French intentions would extend to our own, and where we face a real risk of internal disorders. Assuming we could nevertheless keep the Gilbert Islands and Tuvalu on course, we should add to the pressure on Parliamentary time if we had to introduce a Solomons, Independence Bill also in the first half of 1978. There would be much anxiety and mistrust else- where in the Pacific and puzzlement in, and some inconvenience to, Australia and New Zealand. We should attract criticism in the United Nations (if only because the Solomon Islanders would blame us for the embarrassment they would be bound to feel over the delay) and this might well be reflected in Parliament.
10. All this would do some damage to British interests without any corresponding gain, even if we were little affected materially.
11. You might wish to discuss this with Heads of Dependent Territories Departments and me before considering further any submission to Ministers.
19 May 1077
CONFIDENTIAL
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H. Stauding
HSH Stanley