TNAG-1117-FCO40-1391-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1982 — Page 124

Mr Barltrop, CCD

Separate copies to:

CONFIDENTIAL

нка 025li

Reference

pa #

(17)

Tola mis B-P.

Assistants in: CCD, NTD, MVD, Finance Dept, WIAD,

SPD, HK&GD, SAD, SAMD, SED, SAFD, WAD, SEAD, EAD, CAFD, NAD, APD, ECD(E), ERD, EESD,

EESD, UND

BRITAIN'S INTEREST IN THE COMMONWEALTH

no comment

423/2.

1. I attach a fourth, and I hope final, draft of this paper. It takes account of comments on the second draft circulated under cover of my minute of 4 February and of discussions with a number of departments on a subsequent third draft. The paper will be submitted for discussion at the DUS's meeting on 9 March. I should be grateful for any comments on the attached draft by close of play on Friday 26 February.

2.

I should be grateful for comments on the following points in particular:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

The references to Ghana and Tanzania in paragraphs 8 and 22 (iv)(a). (EAD, WAD).

The reference to the UN in paragraph 22(iv)(b) (UN Dept). This subparagraph is a substantial reduction over that in the third draft circulated inter alia to UN Dept, in the light of Mr Nash's minute of 16 February. I hope this formulation may be acceptable to UN Dept. I understand that Mr Hurd has proposed making some use of the Commonwealth in this way in discussions over the Falklands.

Paragraph 8(d) on Gibraltar (SED).

The references to the EC in paragraph 14 (ECD(E)). The paragraph reflects comments from ECD(E) and from Sir A Alison.

Paragraph 24(iii) on the financial cost of the Commonwealth (CCD/Finance Dept). This sub- paragraph, as now drafted, is the formulation I should like to see since it fits well with the rest of the paper. Since there has been some difference of opinion between CCD and Finance Dept over this point, I should be grateful if they could between them agree on any rewording they think needed.

2. Annexes are not being circulated with this draft.

M

ترے

Mary Blake-Pauley

MH Jay Planning Staff

CODE 18-77

65 8/78

22 February 1982

cc Mr Day

Sir A Allinson Mr Mallaby

Mrs Blake-Pauley, Planning Staff

CONFIDENTIAL