TNAG-0714-FCO40-910-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 102

INTER- PARLIAMENTARY UNION

SPRING MEETING

AGENDA V FOR NON SELF-GOVERNING COMMITTEE

British Policy on Decolonisation

1. The British Government is committed both to a policy of decolonisation and to the UN policies on self determination for colonial peoples. Where the majority of the population of a Dependent Territory indicate by means of a general election or referendum that they want independence, the British Government helps them to achieve it in as rapid and orderly a manner as possible. Early consultation takes place between the British Government and the Government of the Territory seeking independence to ensure that the indepen- dent state will be politically and economicably viable. The Aid programme for the Dependent Territories takes account of these requirements.

2. Britain retains responsibility for eighteen Dependent Territories and for the defence and external affairs of five Associated States. These fall loosely into four categories:

a)

b)

c)

d)

Those moving towards independence

At least three of the Dependent Territories in the South Pacific are likely to be independent by 1980, as are four of the Associated States.

Those with no desire for independence

It would be entirely against British policy and assurances given to the Territories to force independence on them before they consider themselves ready for it.

Those for which there are political or historical obstacles to independence

In the Falkland Islands and Belize, British sovereignty is disputed. Independence is not an option in Gibraltar since, under the Treaty of Utrecht, Spain must be given first refusal if Britain should give up sovereignty. Hong Kong is situated on land leased from China and there is no question of its becoming an independent State.

Those unable to sustain independence due to remoteness/ lack of population/limited economies

Some Dependent Territories are not viable as Independent States. Pitcairn, with a population of about 60, and the British Antarctic Territory and British Indian Ocean Territory with no permanent population are extreme examples of this.

However,

3. Britain, of necessity, remains a Colonial Power. in this role British policy is to give local populations as much say as possible in thier own affairs, particularly in those Territories on the road to independence.