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CONFIDENTIAL
DSR 11C
major trading partners of most Commonwealth countries, who also
receive 75% of our bilateral aid. The knowledge and understanding
which many Commonwealth leaders and opinion formers have of us, as
a result of close educational and cultural links, and the
predisposition there often is to buy British, should give us an edge
over our political (mostly Eastern bloc) and commercial (mostly the
West and Japan) competitors, though we may not always take advantage
of it.
13.
On the other hand historical ties can generate complacency on
our part and unrealistic expectations on our Commonwealth partners'
(for example over students' fees) which can disguise, and prevent
both sides adjusting to, changing political and economic
realities, and delay the emergence of a co-operative relationship
based principally on mutual self-interest. When the crunch comes
it can, if delayed, be painful, as with Malaysia.
14. Our Commonwealth ties, (as distinct, once again, from the
Commonwealth organisation) have tended to hinder rather than help
our Community objectives. But our involvement with the Commonwealth,
and our knowledge of Commonwealth countries, adds some weight to our
political input into the Ten, and can be helpful vis a vis the
United States and other major powers, thus contributing to our
international standing.
CONFIDENTIAL
/15.
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