TNAG-1151-FCO40-1431-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1983 — Page 8

by the United Nations.

We have had to resist the

suggestion that independence is the only permissible

end result of constitutional evolution, whatever the

size or situation of the territory in question. And

we were unable to support Resolution 1514, the Declaration

on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries

and Peoples, adopted by the General Assembly in 1960,

with its emphasis on instant independence for all.

5. But we have cooperated fully with the United Nations

in its consideration of territories for whose adminis-

tration we have responsibilities.

For some years the

reports that we have rendered under Article 73(e) of

the Charter have been considered by the Committee of 24 -

more formally known as the Special Committee on the

situation with regard to the Implementation of the

Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial

Countries and Peoples. We are no longer a member of

the Committee of 24 but it is our practice to cooperate

fully with it in its consideration of our remaining

dependent territories. Our officials have appeared

before it to answer questions and we have welcomed

visiting missions appointed by the Committee to acquire

first hand knowledge of various territories. We believe

that it is advantageous to the peoples of the territories

themselves that the United Nations should possess an

accurate and informed view of conditions. The reports

of the Committee of 24 to the General Assembly have

generally been balanced and objective.

I

/6.

This country