CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL
2.
The present British Government remain fully
givein. committed to the policy of its predecessors of, where
practicable, giving every help and encouragement to
бло
territories wishing to become independent, while not
forcing independence on those who do not want it. But
where local governments have made it clear that they are
not interested in independence, we must insist that
their political development stops some way short of
full internal self-government.
Otherwise, the British
Government is left in a position of having responsibility
without power. While this may be acceptable for a
strictly limited period in the lead-up to independence,
it is not acceptable on an indefinite basis. In such
cases the
the Governor must retain overall responsibility
for:
i) external affairs;
ii) defence;
iii) internal security, including the police force;
1
iv) public service matters not involving new
financial provision;
v) the judiciary.
3.
In certain territories, limited powers in some
of these areas have already been delegated, and it is not
my
our/intention now to reverse those decisions.
But no
further delegations will be allowed in respect of these
9
responsibilities. We shall, however, be prepared to
wej
con-
sider sympathetically any proposals you may care to put
forward for increasing the powers of local governments in
other areas.
CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL