4.
~
from those in the 'strategic' possessions like BIOT and Ascension ( ? an
St Helena), to the remote Pacific territories where not even the inter-
ests of our old Imperial friends, Australia and New Zealand (a strong traditional factor in our policies there) seem to be any longer/concern.
And lastly there are those which have a sufficient local population and
resources to sustain at least some sort of local administration (such
as the W. Indian Associated States and Bermuda and the main Pacific
territories), and those where this is plainly not so.
It would seem to me therefore plainly difficult to disagree with
Mr Cortazzi's view (in the attached minutes) that, from almost every
point of view, the future of these S.D's must be decided on in each case
separately and in accordance with its circumstances.
(d).
Looked at on that basis, and indeed in itself, the problem of the
ultimate disposition of these S.D's may prove smaller than seems at
first sight. If we assume, as is apparently justified, that the 4 main
Pacific dependencies will proceed to independence within the next 3 Fears
and if we remove from immediate consideration (as seems necessary) those
territories which are subject to international dispute and can only be
dealt with by appropriate negotiation, and if we further set aside for
appropriate treatment those 'strategic' dependencies in which we intend
or wish to retain a positive interest or control, we are, it seems,
it seems, really for present decision left/only with the rump of the old Caribbean problem in the form of the
5 Associated States (one of which, St. Vincent, promises, I believe, to
advance successfully to independence by 1980) and the 5 other smaller
island territories of which Bermuda, by reason both of its geographical
position and relatively large population, is somewhat special, and the
other four (Turks & Caicos, Caymans, B. V.I. and Montserrat) are small
in population (between 7000 and 13,000 in each) and are situated in an
association' area and circumstances where some sort of
or regional solution
seems to be dictated almost by circumstances, (and, I would have thought, be recommended by history, too).