(g)
(h)
RESTRICTED ·
3
Falkland Islands: Civil Commissioner has full
powers, but there are Executive and Legislative
Councils. Overriding political issue is dispute with Argentina. Islanders resist Argentine claim
to sovereignty; want to remain British. No
pressure for independence.
Gibraltar: Ministerial system of government; Governor has usual reserved powers. Independence not an option for political reasons (Article 10
of the Treaty of Utrecht: if Gibraltar ceases to
be a UK dependency, Spain has first claim on
territory). 1967 referendum confirmed
overwhelmingly Gibraltarians' wish to retain UK
connections.
(i)
Hong Kong: Constitutional advance affected by fact
that lease of New Territories to UK expires in
1997. Hong Kong has Executive and Legislative
Councils (ex-officio and appointed members only)
which advise Governor.
(j)
(k)
Montserrat: A Ministerial system of Government; very few powers remain to Governor. No indications of wish to proceed to independence; but this could
change at any time.
Pitcairn Group of Islands:
Only Pitcairn
inhabited; population approximately 50. Governor (resident in New Zealand) has full powers; Pitcairners elect their own representatives to Island Council headed by Island Magistrate.
Independence not feasible, and not desired by
Pitcairners.
RESTRICTED