CSOM (82)52
BRIEF No 52
CONFIDENTIAL
MKI OLLLY
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20
COMMONWEALTH SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING
ARUSHA, 1-3 DECEMBER 1982
Constitutional Development of the remaining Dependencies (including
independence prospects)
POINTS TO MAKE
See
ée/52
1.
HMG's policy since 1945 has been to encourage dependent
territories towards independence by seeking to create the conditions
which make it feasible. There are, however, certain exceptional
cases where geographical or economic factors or external political
and legal considerations make independence impossible. HMG does not
force independence on unwilling territories and seeks to be guided
by the wishes of the local people.
Territories which reached Independence in 1981
2.
Belize became independent on 21 September 1981 and Antigua
and Barbuda (an Associated State) on 1 November 1981. The Queen is
the Head of State of both. Both are full members of the
Commonwealth.
CONFIDENTIAL