TNAG-0436-FCO40-501-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-international-organisations-1973 — Page 32

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to support the claims of Spain to Gibraltar and of the

Argentine to the Falkland Islands.

Mr Richard emphasises

that "whatever we do all will not suddenly become sweetness

and light". This is certainly true.

8.

A further argument in favour of co-operation which

Mr Richard does not mention is that if Ministers decide, as the

result of a separate study, in favour of an accelerated programme

of decolonisation, we may find the Committee of 24 of some

help in stimulating a wish for independence on the part of the

peoples at present apathetic or opposed to it.

is likely to be of marginal value only.

However, this

9. In summary, therefore, greater co-operation is likely to be

useful as an element in the Government's wider policy of enhanc-

ing their support of the UN as a whole. The other considera-

tions are more finely balanced.

Should we become a full member? (Paragraphs 2-4 and Annex of letter)

10. Mr Richard argues persuasively against full membership.

The main points are as follows. Much of the Committee's time

is taken up by a discussion of territories for which we

not responsible particularly Namibia and the Portuguese terri-

tories, but also including French and US territories. On the

African issues we would not be able to go as far as the majority

of the Committee would want and our presence would ensure that

we were singled out more than other Western countries for

attack. Both on African and other issues we would also be

repeatedly put in the position of defending the interests of

other Western countries. As Mr Richard says, "There would be no

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/virtue in