TNAG-1461-FCO40-1987-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-Hong-Kong--Gibraltar-and-1986 — Page 66

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1962 but was dissolved when Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago left to seek separate independence. However, Federation is unlikely

to be any more successful now than it was in the late 1950's, and

early 1960's given the well-established "island parochialisms" in

the Caribbean and the advent of micro-states.

15. Out of the 12 dependent territories the federation option is

most viable for the five Caribbean dependent territories. None of

them is likely to seek any formal union with a neighbour, but there

are signs of regional co-operation which could extend to federal or

associated status for the dependent territories if the will were

present resources assured etc. Remoteness of the territory could

present an obstacle to the federation option for territories like St

Helena and Dependencies and Bermuda whose nearest neighbours are

more than 600 miles away (although this factor has not for example

affected HMG's long term policy of ceding the Chagos Islands to Mauritius which is 1200 miles away). In any case, Bermuda will clearly opt for independence if it decides against the status quo. Federation is not an option for the unpopulated dependent

territories.

16. Associated Statehood with the UK - This option would grant full

internal self government to the territory but leave the UK

responsible for most of their external affairs and for their

defence. The aim of this relationship would be to facilitate a move to full independence in due course. But where this option was

implemented in practice in the Caribbean (Grenada, Dominica, St

Kitts/Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and Antigua) the UK was in

practice left with responsibility for defence and external affairs with little authority eg. over internal security and with a heavy

aid burden

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the worst of all worlds. Moreover, these territories

have all since proceeded to independence which suggests that the status did not provide a long-term satisfactory solution as far as

the territories themselves were concerned.

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