TNAG-0597-FCO40-744-Future-of-Dependent-Territories-territorial-studies-1977 — Page 15

HKG 025/1

12 December 1977

HKG 025/1

NJ Bedford Esq "Bryher"

21 Vincent Road Stoke d'Abernon

COBHAM

Surrey

KT11 3JA

DESK OFFIC

VED A

10. 51

1 2DEC 1977

RY

Action Takoy

ве

INDEX

No

53

Thank you for your letter dated 7 December in which you enquired about the policy of the Government towards independence for the remaining dependent territories.

The policy of mucoessive British Governments has been to promote self-government in the dependent territories and to encourage them to move towards indep- endence in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Charter, provided that such was the wish to the majority of the inhabitants. But it has never been the policy to impose independence on those who do not want it.

Jesper Pla.

P/A_ _Now day J.J.,

12/12

JAB Stewart

12/12

(56

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