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CHAPTER 7
INDEPENDENCE ARRANGEMENTS
7.1 7.3
7.1
7.2
7.3
At independence, a Dependent Territory (DT) becomes an "international entity" in its own right and all the external controls exercised by HMG in the UK are removed. The normal procedure for arriving at independence calls for discussions leading to a final Constitutional Conference, followed by the settlement or arrangements for settlement of consequential matters before the date of independence (See Chapter 6). The main points for consideration are in Annex 9.
The lead in all matters MUST be taken by the DT geographical Department which may frequently have to persuade other Whitehall Departments to co-operate. The DT geographical Department seeks the co-operation of its Legal Advisers (see para 6.5), other FCO Departments, ODM and other Whitehall Departments as necessary.
The critical path analysis regarding UK independence legislation for the Seychelles (at Annex 10) provides a useful reference for the minimum time to be allowed for the necessary UK legislative procedure to be completed.
October 1978
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