TNAG-0714-FCO40-910-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 162

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Reference

be heavyweight, with drive and contacts to build up permanent small indus tries. At the same time there must be simultaneous training on all levels. The teams must go in and not only use the local inhabitants but simultaneously institute and carry out proper training schemes with proper equipment. I would see a sort of saturation training, at the end of which the trainees would be able to go into a job already prepared by the creation of the relevant industry. Of course, such an avalanche may well induce resentment on the part of the local inhabitants, but if the training is properly executed and the jobs are made available that resentment should be shortlived. The added advantage is that the creation of small indus try and training schemes may well attract some of the migrants. I believe that the stimulation of economic growth in the xxx territories will attract similar political growth. At the same time I believe that there should also be a large input of Political Advisers at all levels whose job it would be to train. Even Bermuda may benefit from an input of expertise on the diplomacy side as you suggest.

6. This input should be made on the clear understanding with the islands that we are making them independent within a specific time span. That could range from three years in the case of Bermuda to, say, fifteen years in the case of Turks. which is probably the least developed. We should tell them that in order to assist them to obtain independence we are making a massive input to develop the islands economically and politically as I have outlined and that they will be paid £X million on independence. As far as defence is concerned, this would appear to be limited basical ly to fisheries and we should be prepared to provide proper fisheries protection vessas with proper training. No constitutional advance would ensue until

independence.

COMMONWEALTH INVOLVEMENT

7.

There may well be a case for involving the Commonwealth in such a divesting of our responsibilities. First of all, we may not have the amount of personnel input needed. Secondly, such massive inputs could be misconstrued. An approach to the Commonwealth may result in their being prepared to wean young Political Advisers and members of the business community in such territories. It may even be possible to undertake some common defence plan for the islands within the Commonwealth.

8. Although I hesitate to acknowledge that this proposal could possibly fail, one other reason for involving the Commonwealth is that if one or other of the islands are found to be incapable of sustaining independence, the Commonwealth could be approached to establish some form of trusteeship with us for the benefit of the islands.

Did hint

JD P Rickford 24 January 1978

CONFIDENTIAL