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DRAFT ANNEX TO THE SUBMISSION DEALING WITH HMG's ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE UN COMMITTEE OF 24
UNITED NATIONS VISITS TO DEPENDENT TERRITORIES
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The following brief notes indicate considerations that should be taken into account in invitations to any United Nations body to visit a particular Dependent Territory, or which will need to be borne in mind should any United Nations body request permission to make a visit.
In any small dependency there is always a handful of irresponsible nationals who would use a visiting mission to embarrass the local Government many of whom would be likely to reject the idea of accepting one.
1. Belize
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Sovereignty is claimed by Gautemala and there is a British garrison stationed in Belize as a deterrent to Gautemalan aggression. HMG and Belize share the aim of independence for the territory. It is hoped that discussions with Gautemala will resume shortly and a visiting mission would not be helpful while discussions are in prospect or in progress. mission could, in some circumstances, be useful at a later stage.
Bermuda
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Enjoys an advanced Ministerial Constitution not far short of internal self-government. The views of the Fremier and his Cabinet on the desirability of a visiting mission would have to be given very careful consideration. The existence of the US military base and the Anglo/US agreement for it could pro- vide contentious material for the Committee and it would be wise to give the Americans advance warning of any intention to invite or permit a visiting mission. The tax haven facilities and the income gap between the rich expatriates and the relatively poor indigenous population (who are far better off than others in eg the Associated States) can be argued either to be of benefit to the Island and its economy or not. The Opposition Party is for independence. It complains that a minimum residence qualification for inclusion on the voters role prevents it from winning an election. It would put this view to a visiting mission.
British Antarctic Territory
Claimed in part by Argentina and Chile. Provides a framework for "international scientific co-operation". US and USSR do not make or recognise any claims to territorial sovereignty in the Antarctic.
British Indian Ocean Territory
BIOT consists of the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar, and Desroches, which formerly were part of Seychelles and the Chagos Archipelago, formerly part of Mauritius. Seychelles and Mauritius were fully compensated when the islands were detached
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