(17865) Dd.145178 400m 5/73 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
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In the case of the Banabans and Ocean
Island, the Hon Member has expressed strong views
on this subject and it will come as no surprise
to him that I do not share them.
My Rt Hon Friend made a full statement to
the House on 27 May setting out what Her Majesty's
Government consider a generous financial provision
for the Banabans and suggesting the sort of a
compromise formula for a constitutional settlement.
Those proposals were the result of long and careful
consideration. We know they do not go as far towards
separation as the Banabans wish but we have said
that we do not think separation is the right
answer. There is a agenuine, legitimate conflict
of interest. It is for this reason that we think
a compromise is necessary and one along the lines
we indicated would seem to us to be fair and
honourable for all concerned. We think it could
meet all of the practical concerns the Banabans
have in relation to Ocean Island.
My Rt Hon Friend made it clear that no
final decision would be taken before the pre-
Independence Constitutional Conference and that
the Banabans would be represented at that
Conference and free to argue their case there.
It is important to use the intervening period for
constructive discussions of the provisions and
the guarantees that would make a reality of the autonomous position for Ocean Island. We are in
direct touch with the Gilberts' Government and with
the Banaban leaders and I have reason to hope we may so
soon be able to move forward to direct and
/constructive
constructive talks between the two sides.
The $10 million ex gratia payment is in
our view generous and is the maximum sum available.
We believe, as we have said, that the capital
sum should be preserved.
This view is shared by
the Australian and New Zealand Governments. We
have no wish to appear paternalistic about the
establishment and administration of the fund and
we entirely accept the Rabi Council's wish to be
closely concerned in both establishment and
administration. We believe arrangements can be
worked out with the Rabi Council which will be
acceptable to all concerned.
It is my hope that we are at last in a
position where at least there is movement, where
there is discussion and where there is a much
better understanding on all sides. If we are
to reach a final solution, it will be on this
basis and the British Government will do
everything possible to promote a solution that is
fair and honourable to all concerned.
The Hon Member has attacked Mr Posnett's
Report on the subject of the Banabans and Ocean
Island. I am aware that the Report does not support
the views on this subject which the Hon Member
holds. But those views are not unanimous in this
House. My Rt Hon Friend found Mr Posnett's report
of considerable value in his attempts to arrive at a
fair and honourable settlement. There were of course many
other factors to take into account and in particular
my Rt Hon and Noble Friend has had discussions with
all of the parties concerned, including the Banaban
leaders.
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DSR 11C
6. We are encouraging all our dependent territories, whatever their ultimate status may be, to co-operate with other countries and territories in their geographical
regions.
iroiva
Kon 4
7. Hong Kong, which I should also mention, is a special case. We will continue to administer the territory in
the interests of those who live there. We have welcomed the Hong Kong Government's plans for further progress in labour, social and allied fields and are satisfied that the Hong Kong Government are making good progress in dealing with their social and other problems.
8. Finally, a word about aid. We shall continue to
provide development, and where necessary, budgetary aid
before and after independence, according to the territories'
needs and our resources and priorities.
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