conference to consider the matter so that a decision could be
taken on the Inspectors' recommendation.
On
62. In discussion, the general view of Governors (with the
exception of Belize) was that it would not only be embarrassing
if it became known that an evacuation plan existed, but that
actual evacuation could exacerbate a particular situation.
the other hand, certain sections of a community might be
specially at risk and it was desirable that the question should
at least be kept under review. Were the present situation in
island dependencies to change, there was a case for Governors to be
ready with an outline plan, which should be communicated to the
FCO, for evacuation of UK nationals, e.g. on the aircraft bringing
in reinforcements. In the case of Belize where, unlike the other
Caribbean dependencies, there was an external threat, there was
an evacuation plan catering for certain persons only but not,
e.g. for TC, OSAS and commercial employees and families. There
was an obvious need, especially with the approach of independence,
for the plan to be expanded to include all UK nationals.
63.
The general conclusions reached by the conference were -
(i) that, apart from Belize, there was no real need at
present for evacuation planning, and
(ii)
that any revelation about the preparation of such plans
would be embarrassing. Nevertheless, the matter should
be kept under review so that if the situation in a
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/territory