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ANNEX D TO
D CTS STAFF (R) DATED 26 OCT 91
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND MILITARY ASSISTANCE - WEST REGION
THE CARIBBEAN LITTORAL
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
1.
Dependent
With the largest concentration of British Territories (DTs) of
any region, the Caribbean littoral continues to command a
a profile of significance in the UK's Defence policy portfolio. It is also a region where trouble is often not far below the surface and coups and counter coups, such as we have seen in Trinidad in
in Trinidad in 1990 and Haiti
1990 and Haiti in 1991, often erupt with little warning and illustrate that stability in many of the Caribbean states is fragile. The Caribbean is an area of comparatively, small, tender and narrowly based economies, and although Cuba's regional
Cuba's regional influence is set to continue to decline as political support from the USSR wanes, there is a growing awareness by those islands in the region with tourist-based economies of Cuba's potential as a serious rival.
2.
The period has seen continuing growth in all aspects related to drug running and money laundering. This scourge continues to develop and its hallmarks of corruption of government and corrosion of the way of life are now seen everywhere in the Caribbean. The huge financial sums involved are in grotesque contrast to the low levels of income prevalent in the area and help explain the ease with which this trade prospers. The problem is set to expand, and its associated corruption provides continuing potential for unrest.
3.
Of particular concern to UK is
UK is that the DTS are now starting to show clear signs of damage emanating from their use as conduits for drugs destined for Western Europe and UK. For many years UK policy towards these islands was based on the belief that they would follow the other colonies into independence, which they have not. With no early prospect of this happening the FCO's policy of "firm stewardship" of the DTs requires increasing emphasis on underscoring more heavily the support UK gives to the DTS. It is possible that failure to give such a stiffening could lead to direct UK military involvement in one or other of the dependendencies in the future. WIGS is a versatile exponent of this support and whenever possible she is now programmed to give, by her presence and interest, a bolster to the governors of the DTS. The waning of the threat posed to Belize by Guatemala and the probable increase in the notice at which WIGS will henceforth need to remain from Belize, should further facilitate WIGS' ability to devote more time to the DTS. It remains important, too, for WIGS to continue to support the endeavours of the coastguards of
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