4. In the Falkland Islands the proposals would cause deep resentment. It is HMG's policy to encourage links between the Islands and Argentina but most Islanders and their sup- porters in London suspect HMG of wishing to encourage "creeping integration". They might be encouraged to co- operate if some of their current grievances were removed but the nationality proposals would provide them with another grievance which they and their supporters would be likely to exploit. A Parliamentary statement will be made in January, leading, it is hoped, to talks with the Argentine Government. The publication of a Green Paper at about the same time would be very awkward.
5. In Rhodesia publication of the proposals would come at an awkward time. Although they would benefit from the provisions for maintaining the entry rights of those who now have them, many of the estimated 155,000 CUKCS and citizens of Rhodesia who at present have the right to come to this country, would believe that the proposals were designed to close the door to them. This could lead them to decide to leave Rhodesia in
large numbers.
6. Although it is difficult accurately to predict the re- actions of the Committee of 24 and its parent Fourth Committee, on past performance neither body is likely to take cognizance of the change proposed. If, however, they were to focus on this issue, any element of discrimination latent in the change would probably be regarded by them as being less important than an apparent move forward in the process of distancing the dependencies from the metropolitan power. It is reasonable to assume that because of the good relations now existing between the British Government and the Committee of 24 we would re-
ceive a fair and sympathetic hearing.
RELATIONS WITH THE "NEW" COMMONWEALTH
7. There are in certain "new" Commonwealth countries groups of citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who derived that status from former dependent territories as well as British subjects without citizenship and some EPPs. The proposals might affect their present sense of security. In
ΤΟΥ some instances the proposals might provide a pretext
2 CONFIDENTIAL
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