TNAG-0927-FCO40-1145-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1980 — Page 3

BRIEF 1

TCI: POSSIBILITY OF DIRECT CONTACTS WITH INDEPENDENT COUNTRIES

Points to make

1. Under Section 14 of the TCI Constitution, the Governor, acting in his discretion, is responsible for the conduct of any business of the TCI Government with respect to external affairs. This is a standard provision in the constitutions of dependent territories and there can be no change in HMG policy on this

matter.

2. We do not wish to discourage the TCI's relations with independent countries and, although all contact must be routed through HMG, the TCIG will find British officials ready to assist on all reasonable occasions. Certain that this has already been the Ministers' experience during their recent visit to the USA.

3. We understand TCI Government may wish to seek aid from other sources. We are ready to advise on ways of going about

this but we must be consulted beforehand.

/Essential facts