TNAG-0832-FCO40-1040-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1979 — Page 67

CONFIDENTIAL 2

We recognise that the wishes of the people in the Xerritories

But where local governments have made

should be paramount.

it clear that they are not interested in independence, we

must insist that they should not be allowed to proceed to

full internal self-government. Otherwise, the British

Government would be left in a position of having responsi-

bility without power. While this may be acceptable for a

strictly limited period in the lead-up to independence, it is

not acceptable on a indefinite basis. Therefore, until a

local government has accepted a firm timetable for moving to

independence, the British Government will insist that the

Governor should retain overall responsibility for:

3.

(i) external affairs;

(ii) defence;

(iii) internal security; and

(iv) senior appointments in the public service.

This does not rule out the possibility of a limited degree

of delegation of responsibility in certain of these areas.

For example, it may be appropriate, depending on local circum

stances, for local Ministers to be given responsibility for

certain regional matters, or for the day-to-day administra-

tion of their police force.

4.

Where a ferritory's government has announced its inten-

tion to move to independence, a programme will be agreed for

the various stages of constitutional change. There can be no

standard timetable for this: each case will be considered on

its merits in the light of its particular circumstances.

5. In all Territories, whether or not independence is con- templated in the immediate future, it will remain our policy wherever feasible to create the conditions that will make independence ulti-

nately possible through the establishment of competent

political and economic institutions.

CONFIDENTIAL

The reasonable needs of

/the