HOWO YOJ i
we may have to maintain the dependent relationship for
some time, either because this represents the wishes
of the population or for external reasons. This policy is
not without cost to the United Kingdom. As long as we
retain dependent territories, there is always the
danger that our responsibility for their affairs and
notably for their internal security may prejudice wider
British interests in the United Nations and elsewhere.
I repeat, nonetheless, that our policy is to respect the
wishes of the people in the territories concerned and we
shall not be deterred from accepting the need for
continued dependent status by the disadvantages for Britain.
that this may involve.
τισ
7. It must be remembered, however, that I am answerable
to Parliament for the good government of our dependent
territories. Furthermore, the British Government is under
an obligation to submit annually to the United Nations
reports upon its stewardship; and we are now further
obliged to submit reports for each territory under
Article 40(1)(a) of the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights. It is thus idle consideration that
the British government needs, while the status of
dependency continues, to be in a position to discharge
its parliamentary and international obligations in
respect of each territory. Hence if a territory decides,
through ite-elected representatives, that it is not ready
en willing, at least for the time being, to proceed to
full independence, we shall need to review its
constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom.