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power in the region to participate in any actual defence arrangement
was also considered. Continuing UK defence commitments could
seriously undermine the assumed benefits to the UK of granting independence, but in most cases continued inducements to become
independent are unlikely in the long run to outweigh the 'extra
cost' of maintaining the status quo (but see below). Since the 1973 Review, the main changes in relation to this option are that, on the
one hand, more independent States have emerged with very small
populations, eg. Tuvalu: 7,500; (both Anguilla and Turks and Caicos
have populations of around 7,000). On the other hand, events in the
Falklands and Grenada have focused attention on the problem of
security for both small states and dependent territories.
Preparedness for independence is also a crucial consideration.
all the (populated) territories there is little if any internal pressure for independence. In the absence of this, appreciation of
the benefits of independence (to the territory) would have to be
stimulated by HMG and backed up by generous independence aid
settlements if independence is regarded as a serious option by HMG .
A
In
10. Of the 12 dependent territories under review, separate
independence is a realistic option only for Bermuda and possibly the
Caribbean territories Anguilla (7,000), British Virgin Islands
(12,000), Cayman Islands (19,000), Montserrat (12,000) and Turks and
Caicos Islands (7,000). These territories have been classified by
the review (1973) as ones which in principle could cease to be
dependent territories in due course. Moreover, their size is not an
insuperable obstacle. The problems of small and micro-states in the
modern world are real, but the lack of substantial population has
not in itself prevented small States from achieving independence (eg
Tuvalu 7,500) and a lack of economic resources has not always been
regarded as a bar to independence (Malawi) where it has been
sought.
Mode
11. In the short term, the most likely candidate for independence is
Bermuda which has achieved financial security and already has an advanced constitution and a ministerial form of government. A Bill
providing for a referendum on independence to be held not later than
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