TNAG-0714-FCO40-910-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 148

CONFIDENTIAL

1728/2

Mr Wall

hauhall iJaspt

Jacks

R+R. Revues & Dekulunuatio.

cc Mr Cortazzi

Mr Stewart, HKGD-

SIR PETER RAMSBOTHAM'S MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE

1.

The Secretary of State may wish to be aware that at a meeting Mr Cortazzi took with officials yesterday Sir Peter Ramsbotham said that there was some anxiety in Bermuda that the British Government might try to persuade Bermuda into independence before the island was ready for it. Sir Peter asked for a statement of the FCO's view and Mr Cortazzi said that the British Government's policy was not to stand in the way of dependent territories which sought independence if this was in accordance with the wishes of the people of the territory concerned. However, the British Government would not force a dependent territory to independence against its will. The Governor expressed himself satisfied with this statement of policy.

8 February 1978

PCD

PC Duff

"West Indian and Atlantic Department

HKCG 025/2

RECEN

-9 FEB 1978

DISC OFFICE

INDEX

BRÁNĚNA.

PA

No JJ.

10. 51

ве

CONFIDENTIAL

25