TNAG-0597-FCO40-744-Future-of-Dependent-Territories-territorial-studies-1977 — Page 75

Mr Quantrill

Mr Stewart

f

HKG 025/1

31

See (32) 8p.9.

N.F

Reference

COVERING CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL

HKC 025/1

RECEIVED

BEST CITY NO. 51

-7 OCT 1977

DESK OFFICCK

REGISTRY Action Taken

PACE OF INDEPENDENCE

1.

D.

2.

INDEX

No

PA

✓

Mr Stewart placed a bu on the papers below for his return from leave.

On Mr Duff's submission of 14 July in which he set out cases for and against independence for Bermuda Mr Rowlands has minuted:-

3.

"I must confess that I told Sir Peter that we were not going to push but see how things went. We should not be seen to be prodding vigorously. TR"

I have not seen/reply to the letter to Mr Smith dated 4 July in which Mr Cortazzi enquired whether moves towards independence for the Gilbert Islands should not play "long". From PDTD's Friday Notes I see a General Election is expected to be held in the Gilbert Islands in January 1978.

4. At Mr Duff's suggestion I have passed to Mr Posnett copies of papers regarding "Accelerated Decolonisation" and I have asked Mr Posnett for copies of any suggestions he may put to Mr Cortazzi.

5. As a separate, but linked, matter Mr Doble, Commonwealth Coordination Department, has enquired whether we require assistance in resurrecting the spasmodic discussions which Mr Stanley held with the Commonwealth Secretariat regarding the fate of DTS. The purpose of the talks was to encourage Commonwealth Secretariat to consider the problems of the remaining DTS and put forward suggestions as to the future of the remaining DTS.

It was hoped that this might lead to the Commonwealth Secretariat being more involved in future arrangements for the DTS. Nothing of substance has emerged from the meetings so far. I suggest that there is not point in reviving these meeting at this time.

6.

As Mr Posnett, the DT Adviser, has been asked to comment on "accelerated decolonisation" I suggest that until he reports to Mr Cortazzi we should not proceed with any drafting to Ministers to reconsider the "accelerated decolonisation" policy as suggested by Mr Stanley in paragraph 12 of his handing-over notes of 12 July.

BB

7.

Incidentally, as far as I am aware, Mr Posnett has not seen a copy of the handing-over notes. Perhaps I should pass a copy to him?

7 October 1977

J S Jasper

Hong Kong and General Department. K270

233-4069

COVERING CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL

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