TNAG-0926-FCO40-1144-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1980 — Page 71

CONFIDENTIAL

best. It would not be right for the USA to join in. Mr Ridley asked whether there might not be some resentment of such an integration of aid and politics. He had not found much enthusiasm for such ideas among Caribbean governments in the past. Mr Augustine agreed that a political initiative would have little attraction. But he felt that if the development were presented as a joint political/economic package it could conceivably work. But it was necessary that the initiative come from Caribbean states. Mr Augustine referred to developments in the OECS. He believed that the Declaration of St Georges should eventually lead to greater cooperation and unity in the region.

15. The meeting closed at 12.20 pm.

Distribution:

PS/Mr Ridley

Mr Day

Mr Harding OR

NAD

SAMD

WIAD

HKGD

UND

1

ECD (E)

PUSD

Capt Todd, Cabinet Office

CPD/ODA

CCD

Chanceries: Bridgetown

Port of Spain

Kingston

Havana

Caracas Washington Ottawa

CONFIDENTIAL