TNAG-0597-FCO40-744-Future-of-Dependent-Territories-territorial-studies-1977 — Page 45

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Secretary: Cecil R. Evans

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Chairman: Joan Wicken

Friends House Euston Road London NW1 2BJ

OMMITTEE (QUAKERS)

Cables: Oversight London

Telephone: 01-387 3601

HKC 023/1

FRIENDS PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

!!!

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RECEIVED IN PERKY NO. 51

25 NOV 1977

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

No

J.M.O. Snodgrass, Esq.,

REG'S

Action T

IL

23rd November, 1977.

Head of Pacific Dependent Territories Department,

Foreign & Commonwealth Office,

Whitehall,

London, SW1.

Dear Mr. Snodgrass,

in Stewart, HEED

Could you (in the Def) pl. in

See 32 take this on?

I have been asked to write to you on behalf of the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations Association, of which I am Vice Chairman, in order to seek your advice on British Policy towards the dependent territories.

Basically our concern is that although it is right and proper that the people of all dependent territories should have the opportunity of becoming independent, in keeping with the long-term objectives of British Policy, they should equally have the right not to opt for independence, or at least have the right to delay it, until they feel they want it.

It has been suggested to us that some dependent territories (and I believe Granada was given us as an example) have perhaps had independence given them prematurely and possibly against the wishes of their peoples. We should be grateful if you could comment on this.

We should also be most grateful for your comments on British Policy towards the remaining dependent territories, with special reference to their being given their independence only when their peoples have clearly expressed the wish for it.

In writing in these terms I realize of course that your own responsibilities relate primarily to the pacific dependent territories. I hope, however, that it may be possible for you to comment on the position regarding all dependent territories as well as those in your area. Alternatively, you may be able to refer me to those of your colleagues who are responsible for the affairs of dependent territories in other areas.

We shall be most grateful for your advice and assistance on what is undoubt- edly a very difficult problem.

Yours sincerely,

pp

beat Evans.

Cecil R. Evans

General Secretary

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