metropolitan governments retain joint responsibility for defence, internal security, external relations, and currency and exchange, until independence. Decisions of the Assembly in the matters of justice, foreign investment, external communications, lands, and the control of immigration and employment of non- residents, remain subject to the approval of the two Resident Commissioners until specific legislation in these fields - approved by the metropolitan governments has been passed.
The process of unification of the separate British, French and Condominium services has begun, and a unified New Hebridean Public Service is expected to be established in January 1979. A Joint Office consisting of representatives of the British and French Residencies was formally established in August 1978 to coordinate joint Anglo-French policy. National affairs, in so far as they are not of joint concern, will remain the responsi- bility of each Kesident Commissioner.