TNAG-0595-FCO40-742-Principles-and-procedures-of-granting-independence-1977 — Page 48

Mr Cockerham, NCD, K301A

RESTRICTED

ELECTIONS PRIOR TO INDEPENDENCE?

1.

In general we have always been concerned to ensure that any moves towards independence of a territory command local acceptance and this has generally evolved along with constitutional development. Where, therefore, there has been no doubt about the desire for independence we have not generally insisted on elections unless they were in any case due to be held. However, there are cases where we stipulated that elections should be held out of the ordinary course either in advance of, or as a condition of the granting of independence. Ghana is an example where there was vocal opposition to independence from various groups opposed to the governing party. Mauritius and British Guiana are further examples.

2.

The attached copy of notes on constitutional development of former dependent territories gives brief details of the above- mentioned cases. In general, however, where a Colonial government was unwilling to hold an election they were more usually brought round to our view by pressure or persuasion.

28 April 1977

D C Levoir

Hong Kong and General Department K270

233-4072

RESTRICTED