TNAG-0832-FCO40-1040-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1979 — Page 137

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certain backward dependencies could harm Britain's image in a particular region or at the United Nations.

In the case of territories moving to independence

it has been the practice to make generous settlements

of development aid and sometimes also of budgetary aid.

This policy has proved invaluable not only because it

contributes to establishing good working relationships

between Britain and newly emergent states but also

because it has in several instances provided a vital

ingredient in achieving the final independence

agreement itself. Hence our aid programme for any

territory must take account not only of social and

economic need but also of a variety of political

factors including any choice which the leaders and

people of a territory may express either to proceed

to independence or to remain a dependent territory

own

and my ¿view of this choice.

10. I am addressing this despatch to all Governors

and officers administering the governments of

dependent territories and to the British Resident

Commissioner in the New Hebrides; and sending copies

to the United Kingdom Permanent Representative at

the United Nations, to HM Ambassadors in Washington,

Mexico City, Madrid and Buenos Aires and to the

British High Commissioners in Ottawa, Canberra,

Wellington, Georgetown, Port of Spain, Kingston,

Bridgetown, Nassau and Suva.

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