HC Deb 20 March 1985 vol 75 c532W
Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why Her Majesty's Government recognise as independent states in Africa dependent upon economic, military and other assistance from outside.

Mr. Luce

The receipt of external economic, military or other assistance, does not necessarily detract from the attributes of a defined territory, an effective Government, and independence in its internal autonomy and external relations which are the criteria for recognition.