CONFIDENTIAL
1.
I agree that this draft is quite suitable for discussion at the Governors' Conference. I have made two minor insertions.
2.
I have the following comments on paragraph 2 of your minute:
(a)
I think we must abandon the phrase "accelerated decolonisa- tion". I do not consider that examples quoted were really a form of indirect pressure rather than sound colonial administration! We must continue to make it
clear that it is open to our dependencies to choose the other thing, but that, if they do, the movement towards independence will be relentless."
(b) I think that in principle we must judge each case on its
merits: I do not for example see the Turks and Caicos Islands reaching the same stage of self-Government as that enjoyed by Bermuda except as an immediate prelude to independence. In any case, apart from some tidying up and removal of anomalies, I doubt whether we should be willing to grant any further constitutional advance to dependencies that have decided to remain dependent.
(c) Similarly I would be opposed to granting associated status
to any of our remaining colonies. This advice was adopted to meet a particular set of circumstances and has now served its purpose and I do not think it should be repeated.
(a)
I agree that HK&GD should be responsible for annual revision of the new despatch in the manner you suggest.
K.D. Shatte
Ки
8 January 1979
Mr. Michaven
R J Stratton
This was discussed out & Stratton's meeting this afternoon: the Duff was challenged (B Posnett) to quote his authority for applying indirect pressre, but could not closo (be thought it was probably a SirB. Great batch initiative). It was left that we should now want and see what comes out of the discussion in Bridgetown.
CONFIDENTIAL
W. E. Dantill 8/1