The Basic Features of Associated Statehood
capable of, sustaining full independence.
Some constitutional advance in the Eastern Caribbean
States was clearly needed; and federation, which might have
made independence a viable proposition,, was equally clearly
not acceptable. The new concept (aimed at giving full
internal self-government, wide responsibility in external
affairs of particular concern (either geographical or
functional) to the States and the right to go unilaterally
to independence; but leaving Britain responsible for external
affairs generally and for defence) was welcomed by the
majority of political leaders and the people.
A constitutional conference in 1966, with leaders of
Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla and
St. Lucia, led to the West Indies Act 1967 under which
the five States became Associated States in February and
March 1967.
Under the new constitutional arrangements: -
(a) Each Associated State has full responsibility
for the conduct of all internal affairs including internal
security (under separate agreements with each of the States
it was agreed that any armed forces of Britain in the
Associated States should not be used in aid of the civil
power except with the consent of Britain at the request of
the Associated State concerned.)
(b) Each Associated State has the right to amend its
own constitution and (subject to the observance of certain
procedural requirements) the right to proceed by unilateral
decision to full independence. We hold that these rights
/conform
CONFIDENTIAL