TNAG-0597-FCO40-744-Future-of-Dependent-Territories-territorial-studies-1977 — Page 158

CONFIDENTIAL

[and by

Canadian Mis]

B.

1.

LINE TO TAKE IN OTTAWA

The whole of part A may be used with minor changes of emphasis.

Canadian Aid (background only)

2. The Canadians through CIDA have given generously, mainly for water development in Montserrat and Belize.

They also provide through a private foundation a specialist eye medical service throughout the region and this is greatly appreciated. They are not prepared to give aid directly to Anguilla (because of the St Kitts connection) nor to the EVI and Turks and Caicos. We have recently taken this up both in Ottawa and with the Canadian High Commission in Barbados and, unless there is an obvious lead in, I doubt if this is the occasion to raise it again.

Future of the Turks and Caicos (background only)

3. There have been several suggestions in the past 5 years from Turks and Caicos politicians that Canada should assume responsibility for their islands. This was somewhat embarrassing

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for the Canadian Government and a statement was made in Parliament in 1975 denying any such intention. It will certainly not be raised in Ottawa.

West Indian and Atlantic Department

May 1977

CONFIDENTIAL