3RD PLENARY SESSION
THE SECURITY OF THE SMALLER COUNTRIES
F THE COMMONWEALTH
H
on. P. I. Wilkinson, MP, New Zealand, began the debate by observing that while the smaller States enjoyed certain advantages such as security, equal voting rights in international forums, and access to international aid organisations, these advantages were balanced by the ultimate dependence of smaller States on the decisions of the larger powers, and the vulnerability of smaller States to protectionism, international inflation, and the vagaries of the international money market.
Although, despite these disadvantages, some smaller States had been able to raise their aspirations, the fact remained that the existing trade structure had not been evolved with the security of smaller States in mind. To be small in today's world was to be inherently insecure.
The security of smaller States should be seen not only in strategic terms, but also in political, social, and economic terms. The countries of the South Pacific provided classic examples of micro-State insecurity, inasmuch as their isolation imposed critical problems of communication, as well as social and psychological barriers to economic development.
New Zealand had sought to assist in a strategy for the greater economic security of the South Pacific countries by establishing trade links and encouraging exports and development. In addition, the evolution of the economic zone concept associated with the Law of the Sea was of profound economic importance to the region. However, it was important that consideration should be given to the susceptibility of Pacific Island countries to the internal dislocation attendant upon the over-hasty conversion to a market economy, and the introduction of foreign technology and ideas.
The physical security of the South Pacific countries should also be kept in mind, particularly in view of the need to police the economic zones, and the enormous cost of modern defence.
A delegate from Zambia said that although the smaller countries could develop only in a climate of complete security and freedom, such a climate did not exist because of the failure of the super powers to restrain military expansion and find solutions to the various conflicts throughout the world. In addition, the larger nations tended to destabilise the smaller nations by promoting internal unrest, financing hostile propaganda campaigns, encouraging multinational companies, and multiplying markets. The future of the smaller Commonwealth States rested on the co-operation of the Commonwealth as a whole.
The delegate from the Falkland Islands spoke of the threat posed by Argentina, and of the desire of the Falkland Islands to remain a British colony. It was hoped that the right of self-determination for the Falkland Islands would be preserved, and that a harmonious relationship with Argentina could be evolved.
The delegate from Haryana noted the pivotal role that the Commonwealth could play in achieving peace and prosperity for future generations. India, although a republic, had chosen to remain within the Commonwealth while adopting a policy of non-alignment. He praised the considerable co-operation within the Commonwealth on matters of defence.
The delegate from Gibraltar asked why his country should not enjoy the same privileges enjoyed by other Commonwealth countries. Most Commonwealth countries faced no real threat to their security, but for years Gibraltar had had to suffer restrictions imposed on it by its near neighbour, Spain. He appealed to the Commonwealth for support.
Canada was a huge country poised between Soviet Russia and the United States, said a Canadian delegate, yet its 23,000,000 people could not protect it if ever those super powers used their huge atomic arsenals. He thought the security of the smaller countries of the Commonwealth and their future were tied entirely to economic stability. Democratic systems had to be kept in good condition; they had to live by the rule of law, but most important, in his opinion, was the need for a strong economic base.
The Turks and Caicos Islands' security problems were financial and constitutional, said one of their delegates. They had just balanced their budget for the first time in a century, after 12 years' work on tourism. The islands were a pilots' paradise; 42 percent of tourists