TNAG-0714-FCO40-910-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 124

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My theme is confused. My conclusion is uncertain. I have

used this opportunity to think aloud. I come, however, to

one clear view that Governments, the media, interested

opinion have just not undertaken a realistic debate about

Britain's other foreign policy. It is time we did.

We should look forward to a clearly defined, and realistic

approach to our remaining territories. The objectives should

be:

(a) to bring the Associated States to independence

within a reasonable timescale and within a

Caribbean regional political framework;

(b) Similarly in our smallest dependent territories

some will become independent (eg Solomons and

Tuvalu) and will work out their own relationships

within the region, with our support and

assistance.

(c) those smaller territories which cannot, or

feel that they do not want independence, we

should seek to link by agreement and persuasion,

though forms of economic and political

co-operation with territories within the

region. Here our assistance and aid should be

to encourage this - Turks and Caicos.

3(d)