caution. It has sought to maintain links with France and Britain and even favoured a dialogue with the US. The leaders knew, from the Cuban experience, that nationalisation of urban and tourist services could precipitate enormous problems. Through a low-key approach and with a commitment to a mixed economy', the government reduced unemployment from a staggering 50 per cent to 15 per cent. Although the country's staple products, bananas, cocoa and nutmeg, have suffered serious price falls in recent years, GNP rose by 4 per cent last year and inflation was reduced from 25 per cent to 7 per cent. With funds raised abroad and bonds sold to nationals, the state financed a large- scale construction drive, building schools and health centres, repairing roads and creating, with Cuban help a new international airport for tourists.