CONFIDENTIAL
needs to be made to do this. It may be that some of our Embassies
have been slower than we should wish to enter into a dialogue with
the local Governments and to discuss with them possible projects
which we might undertake. There might be some advantage in a circular letter to posts in Latin America (and, as you know, I personally believe we need a Devdiv there). We are particularly disappointed by the absence of any projects, so far, in Brazil. Brazil is very important to us commercially and is one of the political leaders in the continent. We would like to see a more positive approach adopted towards an early and substantial aid programme in that country.
Egypt, Oman and Turkey
Our geographical
11. I mentioned Egypt, Oman and Turkey earlier. departments are in touch with each other about the level of our aid to these three countries. As regards Egypt, I am aware of the complication which the prospective union with Libya presents, but the Secretary of State believes that we should do something sig- nificant to take advantage of Egypt's expulsion of the Russian advisers. In the case of Oman, the country is engaged in a war against communist inspired rebels in Dhofar. We are helping them in the military field during the next year or so, but we should thereafter like to switch our assistance from the military to the development field. We believe this would help us both politically and commercially. As regards Turkey, the level of aid to the country after we join the Common Market has been a bone of con- tention between our two wings throughout this year. I am glad to learn that a measure of agreement has now been reached to provide additional aid to Turkey so as to be able to continue giving significant bilateral aid on top of our contributions through the European Investment Bank.
Colonial Territories
12. I must confess that we are a little uneasy at the apparent contrast between the Secretary of State's recommendation to his colleagues (DOP(72) 28 para 5) that we should continue to meet the reasonable needs of the remaining dependencies, and the fact that
/the amount
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.