TNAG-0714-FCO40-910-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 85

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ECONOMIC AID/INVESTMENT

5.

Britain will continue to give all the help it can to the economies of our small island Dependencies so that these Territories have a valid option to move towards self-determination with an adequate economic base. We do not agree with the condemnation of all foreign investment as being an impediment to the achievement of self-determination, which is regularly expressed by certain members of the UN. In most of Britain's remaining Dependent Territories the local governments already control the amount of foreign invest-

ment, and the form it takes.

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RELATIONS WITH COMMITTEE OF 24 (Special Committee on the Implementation of the Declaration on Colonialism Resolution 1514 of 14 December 1960)

6. However, Britain places great importance on the constructive and co-operative relationship which we have with the Committee of 24, and with the sub-committee on small Territories. We particularly value the Committee's increasing sensitivity towards the individual needs and aspirations of our small Territories, with their widely differing natural resources, geography and political development.

BACKGROUND

7.

Britain retains responsibility for eighteen Dependent Territories and for the defence and external affairs of five Associated States. These fall loosely into four categories:-

(a) Those moving towards independence

At least three of the Dependent Territories in the South Pacific are likely to be independent by 1980, as are four

of the Associated States.

(b) Those with no desire for independence

It would be entirely against British policy and assurances given to the Territories to force independence on them before they consider themselves ready for it.

(See

paragraphs 1 - 3 above.)

/(c)