LIZE
Internal self-government was introduced in January 1964; the Governor
retains responsibility for external affairs, defence, internal security and
the public service. There is a Cabinet consisting of the Premier and an
unspecified number of other Ministers (at present nine), and a bicameral
legislature consisting of a Senate (eight appointed members) and a House of
Representatives (18 members elected by universal adult suffrage).
General Elections were last held in October 1974. The People's United
Party, which had formed the previous government were re-elected but their
majority was reduced from 17 to 12 seats. The Opposition Party the
United Democratic Party obtained six seats. The next General Election is
to be held not later than 7 February 1980.
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Belize has been ready for full independence for 14 years. The only
obstacle to independence is the long-standing claim by Guatemala to the
territory of Belize. It remains British policy to bring Belize to an early
and secure independence, which will enable her to play a full and construc-
tive part in the life of the region. Britain believes that the best way of
achieving this is through a negotiated settlement of our differences with
Guatemala, and that is the course she has been pursuing persistently for a
number of years. Any settlement would of course have to be acceptable to
the Government and people of Belize.
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Private notes are available after approval.