CONFIDENTIAL
lead to trouble. For example, in his paragraph 8, Mr Cockerham says that "in practice law and order trouble seems no more likely for independent states than in Dependent Territories", but that "whereas in a Dependent Territory we would always be obliged to assist, in an Associated State it would always be open to us to refuse to do so unless the government first took actions to redress any wrongs which had led to the disturbances". Well, perhaps. But if we did not help an Associated State, they might call on other sources to help (Soviet, Cuban?) which would bring in international dimensions. And whatever we claimed, we should still have some moral responsibility.
7.
I am convinced our policy of seeking early independence for as many of our Dependent Territories as possible is sensible and right. But I do not think that we should be looking for ever more ingenious devices to slough off these Territories at almost any cost. We did colonise them, we have ruled them and we have a moral responsibility for them. If they are not viable as independent' states, we should surely accept a continuing responsibility for them until they are ready for independence.
+
Mave
*B L Crowe
Planning Staff
'''
17 May 1978
1
CONFIDENTIAL
Fiona
Plany
Page 45Page 46