LONDON
Scotland would not automatically remain a member of the European Union if it votes for independence from Britain, the UK's Foreign Secretary William Hague warned on Friday.
Hague and Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander released a document outlining what they said were the benefits for Scotland of staying in the United Kingdom.
Hague say that if Scots voted for independence in a referendum in September, Scotland would become an entirely new state in the eyes of international law.
"As a new state, an independent Scotland would have to apply for membership in the international institutions. In some cases this would be straightforward; in others, notably the EU, it would not," he said.
"An independent Scottish state would not be eligible to join the UN Security Council as a permanent member, nor would it be likely to have single state representation at the G7, G8 and G20."
The white paper -- a British term for a document setting out government policy -- says Scotland benefits from union with the rest of the UK by having the right to be represented by the EU, one of the world's most influential and respected diplomatic networks, employing over 14,000 people in 267 Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates and other offices in 154 countries and 12 Overseas Territories around the world.
The analysis said Scotland benefits from the UK's bilateral relationships and its representation in multilateral organisations, including the NATO, the UN and the EU.
The Scottish National Party released their position last November, setting out the case for independence.
Four million Scottish voters will be asked in the referendum whether to remain in the UK or become an independent country. Scotland is not expected to entirely leave the UK before 2016, even if voters approve independence.
Next year marks the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, in which the English army was defeated during the First War of Scottish Independence. By holding the referendum during a significant anniversary of Scottish history, the separatist Scottish National Party seeks to benefit from strong feelings of national identity. However, groups supportive of the Union and those concerned by the uncertainty of an independent Scotland's economics oppose the referendum.
Recent polls show the 'No' campaign supported by about 50 percent of voters, while 39 percent say they will vote 'Yes'. A significant number remain undecided.
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