TNAG-0597-FCO40-744-Future-of-Dependent-Territories-territorial-studies-1977 — Page 21

•

The Under-Secretary

of State,

Dependent Territories, Foreign & Commovea itir

BRYHER,

21, VINCENT ROAD,

Downing Street, HKG 025/1

London, S.W

RECEIVE?

STOKE D'ABERNON,

0. 51

COBHAM,

SURREY.

KTII 3JA.

- 8 DEC 1977 December 1977.

DESK OFFICE

Dear Sir,

INDEX

: AISTRY

PA

Action Take:

53

with refere

No J.J. &

debate on

Bermuda in the House of Commons (reported in the 6th December edition of 'The Times'). During this debate the Foreign Secretary stated "We are only too happy for all

dependent territories to have full independence. We have proceeded on a policy of decolonization and wished it well".

Can it be assumed from this declaration that the remaining dependencies are to be forced into independence, or alternatively, union with neighbouring states? What happens to those colonies where the people definitely wish to stay under British sovereignty? In particular I am thinking of the Falkland Islands, St. Helena and Gibraltar, as well as several other very small island dependencies. Is the Government no longer obliged to acknowledge the wishes of the people of these territories? And if not, why not? Furthermore, why should the United Kingdom relinquish dependencies where we are still needed

pto