TNAG-0714-FCO40-910-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 151

CONFIDENTIAL

7.

#

To sum up, there is no need to tailor our decolonisation policy to accommodate the defence requirements of the Caribbean dependencies. Defence policy already takes account of our commitments to Hong Kong and Gibraltar. Belize and the Falkland Islands both make calls on our defence resources for which there is no adequate provision in MOD's budget. I do not foresee defence related problems arising in any of the other territories listed in these papers (except possibly the New Hebrides). In reviewing our decolonisation policy, I suggest that from the Defence point of view, the main priority is a realistic assessment of the likely scope and duration of our commitment to the defence of Belize and the Falkland Islands.

丹

6 February 1978

P Yarnold

Defence Department

CONFIDENTIAL