TNAG-0927-FCO40-1145-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1980 — Page 4

Essential facts

1. There are certain precedents for entrusting limited authority

for external affairs to colonial territories with advanced

constitutions. Under an arrangement of this kind, the DT in

effect acts as the agent of the British Government: ultimate responsibility for the matters included in the delegation must therefore remain with the British Government; and the DT,

in

exercising the authority delegated to it, must not take steps which will conflict with HMG's international obligations and commitments. However, the TCI has not reached such an advanced

Nor would we wish to offer a more advanced constitution

in the absence of any clear timetable for early independence.

2. Present policy is not to devolve any formal responsibility for external relations on the dependent territories. The Governor has particularly advised against any change in this policy, and, we do not wish to make any case for relaxation.

stage.