TNAG-0597-FCO40-744-Future-of-Dependent-Territories-territorial-studies-1977 — Page 94

Reference....

нка. HRG 0.25/1

Mr Milton

Mr Stewart

My turn to see. See also (35

JJ

p.a. n

MRG

012/16

HKC

013/14

PACE OF INDEPENDENCE

1. Iir Stewart requested comments on the proposals put forward by Hr Cortazzi (HPG 012/6 of 4 July) to Mr Smith, that the pace of independence. in the Gilberts might be "played long".

2. I attach a draft of a skeleton of a "catch all" note setting out reasons why we should continue, in general terms, to proceed with the accelerated decolonisation policy as set out in the then Secretary of State's despatch IIX 2/1 of 13 June 1975. I drafted the "catch all" before being able to obtain a copy of Mr Cortazzi's letter under reference (flag A).

3. I consider that PDTD should be invited to comment regarding the particular problem of the pace of independence for the Gilberts since they will have information relevant to the subject which is not available in this Section.

4. I have asked the desk officer in WIAD to let HKGD have a copy of Mr Duff's reply to Mr Cortazzi's request for a "for" and "against" note on independence at the present pace for Bermuda (the reply to Ir Cortazzi has not yet been typed).

CODE 18 - 77

JS Jasper

13 July 1977

Hong Kong and General Department K270

233-4002

24

*