TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 175

(h)

11

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Gibraltar: Ministerial system of government; Governor has usual reserved powers.

Independence

not an option for political reasons (Article 10

of the Treaty of Utrecht: if Gibraltar ceases to

be a UK dependency, Spain has first claim on

territory). 1967 referendum confirmed

overwhelmingly Gibraltarians' wish to retain UK

connections.

↓

(i)

(j)

(k)

Hong Kong: Constitutional advance affected by fact

that lease of New Territories to UK expires in

1997. Hong Kong has Executive and Legislative

Councils (ex-officio and appointed members only)

which advise Governor.

Montserrat: A Ministerial system of Government;

very few powers remain to Governor. No indications

of wish to proceed to independence; but this could

change at any time.

Pitcairn Group of Islands:

Only Pitcairn

inhabited; population approximately 50. Governor (resident in New Zealand) has full powers;

Pitcairners elect their own representative to

Island Council headed by Island Magistrate.

Independence not feasible, and not desired by

Pitcairners.

(1) St Helena and Dependencies (Ascension Island and

Tristan da Cunha): Governor has full powers;

advised by Legislative and Executive Councils.

Administrators of Tristan da Cunha and Ascension

are responsible to the Governor of St Helena. Independence probably not feasible for St Helena and Tristan, nor do people want it. Ascension has no indigenous population.

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