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Britain's own interests. But that is something I hope we can
discuss.
It is also a point for debate whether our responsibility
should extend to being prepared to take back under our umbrella
small states that, having decided to become independent, discover
after a while that independence is not everything it was cracked up
to be. So far the case has not arisen, though we do have the
rather special case of Anguilla which, having had experience of
life as part of an Associated State, has reverted to what is, in
effect full colonial status. Certainly my own inclination is to
say that the process of decolonisation should be regarded as
irreversible once the step to independence has been taken. But of
course special circumstances could arise that might make it very
difficult to stick to such a line. That too is something on which
we should like to hear your views.
When a dependent territory does decide that it wants to
remain dependent, and we have agreed, what should our policy be
then? First, I think there must be no doubt that where we retain
responsibility for a territory we must also retain the power to
exercise that responsibility: we do not want to be answerable for
policies and acts over which we have no control. It follows that
we shall wish to retain responsibility for external relations and
defence. It is also logical, I suggest, to keep control of internal
security, including the police force, and at least certain aspects
of the public service. If local governments find this irksome, then
the choice will always be open to them to opt for independence
they will always find us willing to be as helpful as we can in
preparing them for it. But full internal self-government should
and
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