TNAG-1152-FCO40-1432-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-Commonwealth-1982 — Page 38

CONFIDENTIAL

Pitcairn Group of Islands (Pitcairn, Ducie, Oeno and Henderson)

(Population about 50)

11.

-

Only Pitcairn inhabited Governor has full powers; resides

in New Zealand. Islanders elect their own representative to Island Council, headed by Island Magistrate. Independence not feasible.

St Helena and Dependencies (Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha)

(Population 6,500)

12.

Backward constitutionally. Governor has full powers; advised

by Legislative and Executive Councils. Administrators on Tristan da Cunha and Ascension, with equally full powers, are responsible to

the Governor of St Helena. Independence impracticable for St Helena; attempts being made to stimulate economy. Not feasible for Tristan da Cunha either, although relatively prosperous. Ascension has no indigenous population.

Turks and Caicos Islands

13.

(Population 7,500)

A Ministerial system of Government; Governor retains usual reserved powers. Former Government party favoured independence by

1982, but lost office in 1980 and now considers that referendum

should be held; no date specified. Governing party not opposed to

independence, but considers it should not be sought for a few years yet, ie until economy has been developed further.

Hong Kong and General Department Foreign and Commonwealth Office

16 November 1982

CONFIDENTIAL