TNAG-1152-FCO40-1432-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-Commonwealth-1982 — Page 34

CSOM (82)52

BRIEF No 52

CONFIDENTIAL

MKI OLLLY

HK GD

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3/12 PM 3/1~

Copy No:

20

COMMONWEALTH SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING

ARUSHA, 1-3 DECEMBER 1982

Constitutional Development of the remaining Dependencies (including

independence prospects)

POINTS TO MAKE

See

ée/52

1.

HMG's policy since 1945 has been to encourage dependent

territories towards independence by seeking to create the conditions

which make it feasible. There are, however, certain exceptional

cases where geographical or economic factors or external political

and legal considerations make independence impossible. HMG does not

force independence on unwilling territories and seeks to be guided

by the wishes of the local people.

Territories which reached Independence in 1981

2.

Belize became independent on 21 September 1981 and Antigua

and Barbuda (an Associated State) on 1 November 1981. The Queen is

the Head of State of both. Both are full members of the

Commonwealth.

CONFIDENTIAL