TNAG-1241-FCO40-1554-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 84

Mrs Pries

Prieft,

CONFIDENTIAL

Hong Kong Department

FUTURE OF HONG KONG: PRECEDENTS

Associated States

Reference.....

HKK 040/1.

жарайт

507

Incorporated into chapé bance to Silley

смазк

Ps.

The Associated States in the Caribbean were previously Crown pe

1. Colonies. Their Associated Status was seen as a step on the way to independence and provision was made for either the Island or British government to initiate this. Britain retained control of foreign affairs and defence while the Islands had full internal self-government and the power to amend the Constitution. Her Majesty appointed governors to the Islands. The position was described as "independence in association" with Britain.

Puerto Rico

2. I enclose a summary of Puerto Rico's unique consitutional relationship with the United States. Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony ceded to the US. The arrangement provides for migration of Puerto Ricans to the States. A small independence movement exists some of whose adherents resort to terrorist activities on the mainland. The population is mainly divided between those who prefer the present status to continue and others who want full statehood. The decision would be reached by plebiscite. These are held periodically.

Panama

3. You already have details of the pre-1977 arrangements. They caused much ill feeling on Panama's part over the years.

Some Panamanians would prefer at the least toaneo-colonial situation imposed on them when they were weak.

31 August 1983

5 Rocyn-Jones

S Rocyn-Jones

American Section Research Department 273 3552

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL