CONFIDENTIAL 2
We recognise that the wishes of the people in the Xerritories
But where local governments have made
should be paramount.
it clear that they are not interested in independence, we
must insist that they should not be allowed to proceed to
full internal self-government. Otherwise, the British
Government would be left in a position of having responsi-
bility without power. While this may be acceptable for a
strictly limited period in the lead-up to independence, it is
not acceptable on a indefinite basis. Therefore, until a
local government has accepted a firm timetable for moving to
independence, the British Government will insist that the
Governor should retain overall responsibility for:
3.
(i) external affairs;
(ii) defence;
(iii) internal security; and
(iv) senior appointments in the public service.
This does not rule out the possibility of a limited degree
of delegation of responsibility in certain of these areas.
For example, it may be appropriate, depending on local circum
stances, for local Ministers to be given responsibility for
certain regional matters, or for the day-to-day administra-
tion of their police force.
4.
Where a ferritory's government has announced its inten-
tion to move to independence, a programme will be agreed for
the various stages of constitutional change. There can be no
standard timetable for this: each case will be considered on
its merits in the light of its particular circumstances.
5. In all Territories, whether or not independence is con- templated in the immediate future, it will remain our policy wherever feasible to create the conditions that will make independence ulti-
nately possible through the establishment of competent
political and economic institutions.
CONFIDENTIAL
The reasonable needs of
/the