CONFIDENTIAL
relevant too is Mr Sanders' point that, in our haste to decolonise, we should not "increase the number of ex-British problem territories we expect the international community to deal with". Moreover by giving up our responsibilities we do not by any means thereby avoid future involvement, embarrassment and expense (viz Cyprus and Palestine). The conclusion to be drawn is that HMG's approach to the problem must be responsible and carefully considered. We should not be stampeded by calculations of narrowly-conceived self-interest into taking action which would be contrary to the interests and welfare of the people of a dependent territory and which we ourselves might subsequently regret. Morality and our own self-interest could point in the same direction.
6.
As regards offering continued diplomatic and consular help after independence, the 1975 paper listed this among "other inducements ... which may be attractive"; but in considering the scope for this we shall need to bear in mind inter alia
developments in our Service, such as the conversion of some posts
to mini-missions.
7. Two textual points:
(a) does the last sentence of para 1 of your paper
take account of Hong Kong?
(b)
is there a drafting or typing error in para 3(d) ("the maximum degree
Ұ
inhabitants")?
JCE Hyde
Commonwealth Coordination Dept K 221
233 3722
27 January 1978
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