TNAG-0832-FCO40-1040-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1979 — Page 152

In sunt it must be unabe clear to

tham that they cannot have thei cake and eat it.

6.

CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL

DSR 11C

Where we agree to continue dependency, it must be understood that such a policy has implications for both sides. As long as a territory prefers to remain dependent further constitutional advance will not normally be granted

adutine and there can be no question of the territory's proceeding to the stage of full internal self government that normally

precedes independence. Where it is understood by both sides that there is no prospect of independence in the immediate future, the British Government will normally need

to retain control over external affairs, defence and

internal security, in addition to a general responsibility for the good government of the territories concerned.

The people in such territories may also find themselves having to accept unpalatable decisions determined more by British political considerations than by what they would see as their own interests: for example, such a situation could develop over capital punishment. We for our part will

revention of accept the obligations implicit in our retaining- responsibility for the territories concerned, including the obligation to defend their interests internationally.

the

7. In his 1975 despatch, Mr Callaghan referred to the policy he was setting out as "accelerated decolonisation". This expression was not however intended to imply that pressure should be brought to bear on territories to move

to independence more rapidly than they wanted to.

It

referred only to the policy of our seeking to create the conditions which would make independence possible and welcome. This remains our policy; and we shall still not put any pressure on those territories which do not wish to become independent.

1175

will continue

h avr

8. One of our principal instruments in pursuing this general policy is of course our aid programme. Aid to the dependencies is a first charge on our aid resources, a priority that continues to apply to former dependencies in the early years of independence. In those dependent

independence territories where we believe ultimate to be possible, our aid is designed to create the necessary physical conditions

for independence. The financial settlements that are offered to dependent territories on the attainment of independence are intended to encourage local politicans

to take the irreversible step to full responsibility for

/their

CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONA900 400 M 5/78 HMSO Bracknell