TNAG-0832-FCO40-1040-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1979 — Page 81

CODE 18-77

Mr Quantrill, HKGD

• HRG 025/1

1

1627

K247

No

15 Be

Reference

22

Mr Stratton

Cc: Mr Snodgrass, SPD,

G 85/1

PAPERS FOR INCOMING MINISTERS:

1.

DEPENDENT TERRITORIES

Thank you for the draft enclosed with your minute to

Mr Stratton of 12 April. I have a few suggestions for amendment:

a)

b)

c)

d)

Add at end of paragraph 1 -

"To this end we are committed to help create competent

political and economic institutions."

Paragraph 2, line 2 -

There are three not four Associated States.

Add at the end of paragraph 4 -

"Anguilla,nominally part of the Associated State of St. Kitts-

Nevis-Anguilla, has been administered on the line of a dependency since 1967 - see also paragraph 7 below".

Suggested redraft of paragraph 7 as follows

"All the remaining Associated States are seeking independence.

A decision will be needed soon on the St Vincent's Government's demand for immediate independence which is opposed by the opposition parties. St. Kitts-Nevis could move to inde- pendence this year providing our proposals for local govern- ment in Nevis satisfy the Nevisians who demanding secession. Anguilla would then revert to forma dependent territory status. Antigua is unlikely to become independent this year having only recently embarked upon the necessary constitutional Procedures.

e)

Start paragraph 8 -;

tt

"One special issue

17 April 1979

Pes

PC Duff

West Indian & Atlantic Department