TNAG-0427-FCO40-492-Proposed-constitutional-advancement-of-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 74

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1. lo continue as at present.

2.

3.

5.

To continue associated Statehoud, with the grant" of powers for internal security to the UK Government.

To discontinue Associated Statehoud, both governments having the option of concluding defence agreements.

To create a closer union of the Associated States, at least

in respect of the four in the windward Group, the initiative coming from the States themselves.

To bring about an association with a neighbouring Commonwealth State.

The second course has advantages, but would be construed in some quarters as a step back to colonial status, and would therefore be unacceptable to some political leaders. (This should not preclude it being adopted in respect of other Dependencies, which have not yet reached Associated Statehood).

The fourth course, which is compatible with course 1, has many advantages and should be strongly supported.

In such a case all forms of

The firth course is also a viable alternative. aid, including budget ry aid, and defence should be continued so long as the relationship is one of association and dues nut involve the creation of a unitary

state.

Together with other sovereign states and dependent territories in the Region (see APPENDIX IV) the Associated States have become members of the Caribbean Development Bank. Antigua was a founder member of the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) and the others have since joined. This economic co-operation is to be welcomed and British Honduras should also be encouraged to join.

Associated Status, as in the Caribuean, is a possible solution for other territories at present classed as dependent or colonial.

Regional Groupings

Acceptance of the principle that thuse Dependencies which wish to retain an association with the United Kingdom should be both allowed and encouraged to do so implies a willingness on the part of the United Kingdom to take a close interest in their well-being and development as well as an ability to protect them and their interests. lt also necessitates improvement in the channels of communication between the Dependencies and westminster. Two regional roupings, one for the

Pacific and one for the Caribbean, are recommended to assist to this end. (see APPENDIX 111).

Each of these groupings would have a local Consultative Council with which would be associated a senior British Representative. The Council for the Pacific should be formed by a slight expansion of the existing South Pacific Commission in so far as it related exclusively to the United Kingdom and her Dependencies. From the outset Australia and New Zealand would participate. Initially, the Council for the Caribbean would be an ad hue creation, with the initiative coming

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