DSR 11C
5.
CONFIDENTIAL
3 -
Present Position regarding Independence for WIAS and DTs
The following analysis shows the complex position regarding Independence:-
West Indies Associated States
Antigua
Dominica
St Kitts- Nevis- Anguilla
No interest in complete
Independence
Pressure for independence rising
Independence date
Unforeseeable
First half of 1978
Probably before 1980
Further discussion likely in 1978 Before end
St Lucia
St Vincent
Government committed to Independence by 1979
of 1980
Before end of 1980
Dependent Territories
b) Those it is in the UK's interests to retain:
i) British Antarctic Territory (BAT) ii) British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) iii) Ascension Island
No indigenous population. Constitutional development not an option but BAT is a base for Scientific
Research & BIOT is used as a base for Defence
purposes.
iv) St Helena (relay station for Diplomatic communication
network)
a) Those with independence in prospect:
i) Solomon Islands
ii) Tuvalu
iii) Gilbert Islands
iv) New Hebrides
7 July 1978
October 1978
During 1979
1
During 1980 ·
c) Those unable to sustain independence due to remoteness/
1
lack of population/limited economies:
i) Pitcairn
ii) Tristan da Cunha
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN
CLOSED UNTIL
UNDER FOI
EXEMPTION NO 27.α) 6) (d)..
/d)