TNAG-0926-FCO40-1144-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1980 — Page 9

CONFIDENTIAL

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Present Constitution and Prospects for Independence

In August 1974 a ministerial system of government was introduced. The Governing Council was replaced by a Legislative Council with 24 elected members and 2 ex- officio member the Deputy Governor and the Attorney General. A Council of Ministers was established, compromising the Chief Minister, chosen by the elected members of the Legislative Council, and 6 other Miristers, appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.

It was reed in May 1975 at talks in London that internal self-government should be introduced by the end of 1975, on the understanding that indererience shoul follow ^?-18 months later. In June 075. the name "British ~olomon Islands Protector te" was changed to "Solomon Islands" but the pro us of the islands remained unchanged. In the same year the number of Ministers was increased from 6 to 8, and the new Minister of Finance replaced the Financial Secretary.

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Internal self-coy rent was introduce on 2 January 1976. Under this the Governor retains responsibility for defence, external affairs, internal security and the public service. In other matters he is a quired to act in accormance with the advice of the Council of Ministers. The elected mer bers of the

Legislative Asserbly originally numbered 24, rut this was increased to 38 at a general election in June 1976. Following a change of government at the 1976 election, Oposition action has resulted in a delay to the independence time- table, so that it now seers likely that independence will be achieved late in 1977 or early in 075. The precise fate of Independence will be fixed at an Independence Conference to be held as early as possible in 1977.

CONFIDENTIAL

C

Consider Folicy

ffecting Aid