CONFIDENTIAL
Commonwealth
17.
Mr Pym has placed particular emphasis on the Commonwealth which "possesses the bond of common political, social and moral objectives." He has suggested that each of the larger Commonwealth countries should appoint a Minister for Commonwealth affairs to put "more political purpose" into the Commonwealth. The Conservatives would also consider a Commonwealth Trade Fair.
North-South
18.
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"Key elements" in the inter-relationship between developed and developing countries are "the constant stimulation of trade and a clear understanding of the political consequences of economic development. The Community provides an important bridge to the developing world "on whose raw materials and minerals Europe is dependent.
China
19. There have been signs that the Western reaction to China's emergence has been motivated more by the economic prospects "than by considerations of what is strategically prudent." Sino-Western rapprochement is a good thing, but it could lead to "the coldest of cold wars" with the Soviet Union if the West doesn't show greater "statesmanship".
Southern Africa
20. Mr Pym refers often to Soviet involvement in Africa, on whose raw materials Western dependence is "in effect absolute. " Zaire and Ethiopia are singled out for mention as post-Angolan targets of Soviet expansionism. Russia and Cuba are "awaiting the opportunity" to intervene in Rhodesia where the policy of Britain and the West has been "as incomprehensible as it has been maladroit." Nothing is being done to turn the forthcoming elections "to the best advantage for the people of Rhodesia as a whole." The "active cooperation of the Commonwealth" should be enlisted.
The Middle East
21.
"It is difficult to over-estimate the seriousness of the situation in the Middle East at present.
"
Turkey needs Western support, and it is in the Western interest to provide it. "At the same time we must hope" that Turkey will be more flexible over Cyprus.
Iran.
"... the Soviet Union cannot fail to gain from Iran's withdrawal from Western defence and particularly the defence of the Gulf. " Yet the Western nations and Iran have "undoubted common political and economic interests."
Afghanistan "is now a Soviet satellite.'
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