TNAG-0714-FCO40-910-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 99

CONFIDENTIAL

1.

Conclusions and Recommendations

DSR 11C

This Paper has attempted an examination of the progress made since the policy for 'accelerated decolonisation' was laid down in 1975. A time-scale of 5 years had been envisaged at that stage.

2. It is not desirable to allow the remaining Colonies to continue any longer in their present state of stagnation: more and more we are being pushed into a position of having respons- ibility without authority in these Territories. Every effort should be made to persuade and encourage as many of them as possible to become independent in the next five years.

B. Those Colonies that can sustain independence should receive substantial Aid channelled into constructive projects. Aid should cover all aspects of the Colonies' economic and social needs for the future.

All Territories should be informed that they must opt for independence if they wish to keep those powers and responsib- ilities already devolved to them, and that no further authority will be devolved until and unless a date for independence has been agreed, preferably within a time-scale of 3-5 years.

B. A separate survey should be undertaken for those Territories that cannot become independent in the next five

years.

6.

Those Territories that can never be independent should

be identified and UN agreement sought for some acceptable form

of self-determination for them.

7.

Action should be taken now to resolve all outstanding international disputes involving fishing rights, sea-bed resources etc which affect Dependent Territories.

8. The Commonwealth should be involved in the present plan for decolonisation. Richer and more developed members may well be able to provide financial, technical and political aid.

9.

Commonwealth representatives should be invited to a joint meeting with DT representatives in London to discuss the question of independence for small DTs and Commonwealth cooperation both before and after independence.

10. The dialogue, started between Mr Stanley and the Common-

wealth Secretariat, should be revived to find ways and means to involve the Commonwealth, possiblay in a trusteeship role.

11. UN support for our decolonisation schemes should be

sought when Mr Richard considers it to be feasible to do so.

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