TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 92

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PITCAIRN GROUP OF ISLANDS

RESTRICTED

1.

The islanders have not expressed any desire for independence and the Island Council made the following unanimous

declaration in June 1968:

"Having noted the discussions which had taken place

from time to time in the United Nations Committee on

Colonialism about the future status of the remaining

smaller Colonial territories; and having also noted

that the British Colony of the Pitcairn Islands is one

of the territories considered by the Committee, the

Pitcairn Island Council declares that it has no present

wish to seek to change the nature of the relationship

between the Government and people of Pitcairn and the Government of the United Kingdom but if, at any time,

change should be desirable the Council has full

confidence that this can and will be negotiated

satisfactorily by free agreements between those whose

sole concern it is. The Council further declares that

independent statehood would be administratively and economically impracticable for the small isolated island community of Pitcairn."

The declaration has not been rescinded nor has the Island

Council expressed any wish for a change in status. In the

opinion of Her Majesty's Governmet it still accurately reflects

the views of the people of Pitcairn.

Aid

2.

Aid is provided on an ad hoc basis in response to requests from the Island Council.

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