CONFIDENTIAL
interests of the d.ts.
The thinking in the second sentence of para. 6 goes back 20 years and has been reaffirmed in Cmnd. 2736 (1965) and Cmnd. 6270 (1975). It is very weaselly and commits Ministers to nothing. It has been seen in this current exercise by the ODA's Finance Department and it would be
it would be a pity, I think, if we raised our own doubts on it. Sentence 3 is a statement of
Sentence 4 is fact and a logical and long-standing objective. widely known. Sentence 5 is a pious hope.
7.
The point here is that we are trying to decolonise some rather reluctant and unready starters. The aid programme is one of the few tools we have with which to influence local Governments
It will of course be for and help to stiffen their resolve.
Ministers to decide in each case whether a financial carrot to persuade colony A to go independent is money better spent than a continuing budgetary subsidy.
ред
P C Duff
17 September 1979
West Indian & Atlantic Department
2 - CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.