CONFIDENTIAL
HW 021/1
Agenda Item 5(a)
HKG025/2
RECETT
INDO
11 JAN 1979
51
No 104, pl
рх
OAGS' CONFERENCE JANUARY 1979: POLICY TOWARDS DEPENDENT TERRITORIES
1. At the 1977 OAGS' Conference a lengthy discussion was held on decolonisation and the conclusion reached was that no recommendation could be made to alter the policy statement of 1975 (Secretary of State's Despatch HX 2/1 of 13.6.75) on the future of the Dependent Territories. The Conference expressed the need for care to be taken to ensure that any future devolution of powers is tied to a programme of constitutional advance leading to independence. It was proposed that:
a) dependencies should be made aware that the British connection in its present form could not continue for ever;
b) consideration be given to inviting DT Governments to London for general discussions on constitutional advance;
c) thought be given to economic assurances which territories ::oving toward independence would require and expect.
WIAD were asked to take action to work up these proposals in consultation with OAGS. This was not done: instead it was decided in the FCO that as a first step the 1975 Despatch on the future of the Dependent Territories should be updated by a new despatch prepared by Hong Kong and General Department. This has now been done and the draft of this new despatch is attached for OAGs' consideration and comment before it is finalised and submitted for the Secretary of State's approval.
2.
In addition to updating the 1975 Despatch, the new draft Despatch includes an annex which comprises a survey of each territory, setting out the prospects for independence and the obstacles to be overcome. the possibilities of alternatives to independence or continued dependency in the present form, and recommendations for the policy to be adopted in each territory. OAG's are requested to comment on these surveys in respect of their territories.
3. To provide OAG's with a full background of points taken into account in the preparation of this draft Despatch, the following background papers are attached:
a) The original draft plus explanatory note by Mr Quantrill of Hong Kong and General Department;
b) Comment by Mr Pettitt of Pacific Territories Department;
c) Comment by Mr Duff of WIAD;
d) Comment by Mr Munro of Defence Department.
4. The first task is to consider the draft Despatch, either to agree it or suggest amendments. The second, and equally important, task is to consider, in the light of this Despatch, the way ahead hereafter. OAGC' views on this would be welcome, in particular on
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