CODE 18-77
iii.
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference
(d) all the normal criteria for our overseas aid (eg
priority for rural projects, preference for self- help etc) should apply generally in the dependent territories, though because of our special respon- sibilities towards them, we should be generally less rigid in applying those criteria.
Defence
Part of the process of creating the conditions for independence must be to provide reassurances that independence is not going to leave the territories concerned vulnerable to external aggression. This was one of the questions raised by Mr Walter Wallace the Governor of BVI, in his Despatch of 26 April on the prospects for independence in BVI, and it is a question to which I cannot see any satisfactory answer. I do not think that the possibility mentioned by Mr Wallace of a UN guarantee is a starter; nor do I believe there is any prospect of the British government entering into military treaties with former dependencies. is probably to play down such fears (which which are likely to have little substance in most cases) and to rely on political negotiation as a way of solving any problems which might arise - for example, I imagine that independence for Belize must depend on a cast iron political understanding with Guatamala.
The answer SÉRELDOO
10 October 1978
Cc:
(for information) Mr Posnett Planning Staff
Research Sept
UND
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Me Bone
Mis Wiseman
M. Bailtrop
есь Seforce Sept
Mr Warkens
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
W.E. Quantill
W E Quantrill
Hong Kong and General Department