TNAG-0714-FCO40-910-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 93

DSR 11C

5.

CONFIDENTIAL

3 -

Present Position regarding Independence for WIAS and DTs

The following analysis shows the complex position regarding Independence:-

West Indies Associated States

Antigua

Dominica

St Kitts- Nevis- Anguilla

No interest in complete

Independence

Pressure for independence rising

Independence date

Unforeseeable

First half of 1978

Probably before 1980

Further discussion likely in 1978 Before end

St Lucia

St Vincent

Government committed to Independence by 1979

of 1980

Before end of 1980

Dependent Territories

b) Those it is in the UK's interests to retain:

i) British Antarctic Territory (BAT) ii) British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) iii) Ascension Island

No indigenous population. Constitutional development not an option but BAT is a base for Scientific

Research & BIOT is used as a base for Defence

purposes.

iv) St Helena (relay station for Diplomatic communication

network)

a) Those with independence in prospect:

i) Solomon Islands

ii) Tuvalu

iii) Gilbert Islands

iv) New Hebrides

7 July 1978

October 1978

During 1979

1

During 1980 ·

c) Those unable to sustain independence due to remoteness/

1

lack of population/limited economies:

i) Pitcairn

ii) Tristan da Cunha

THIS IS A COPY

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

CLOSED UNTIL

UNDER FOI

EXEMPTION NO 27.α) 6) (d)..

/d)