Other colonial Territories 961

Chapter IV Other colonial Territories

With the dispute between Argentina and the United Argentina charged that United Kingdom aircraft Kingdom over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) re- had overflown and harassed Argentine fishing maining unresolved, the General Assembly in vessels—on 11 and 15 August,(1) 1 October(2) and November 1986 again requested both parties to initiate 24 November(3)—outside the so-called protection negotiations and the Secretary-General to continue zone which the United Kingdom had unilaterally his good offices mission to assist them (resolution 41/40). set up at 150 nautical miles around the Malvinas. In addition to that question, the Special Com- The United Kingdom denied those charges—in let- mittee on the Situation with regard to the Implemen- ters dated 4 September,(4) 10 October(5) and 15 tation of the Declaration on the Granting of Inde- December(6)—saying that the vessels were found pendence to Colonial Countries and Peoples within the zone and that its aircraft approached the (Committee on colonial countries) continued to ex- ships to confirm their identity without harassing amine the situations in Western Sahara and East them in any way. Timor and decided to review them again in 1987. Conservation measures in the South Atlantic In October, the Assembly reaffirmed that Western fishing grounds were the subject of a series of let- Sahara was a decolonization matter and again re- ters. On 22 September,(7) the United Kingdom ex- quested Morocco and the Frente Popular para la pressed its concern over a report that Argentina had Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro concluded with the USSR a bilateral fisheries agree- to negotiate a cease-fire and a referendum for self- ment purportedly applicable to the waters around determination of the people of the Territory (41/16). the Falkland Islands, at a time when a technical In addition, the Assembly took action on the ques- study was under way by the Food and Agriculture tions of American Samoa (41/23), Guam (41/25) Organization of the United Nations (FAO) that could pave the way for a multilateral agreement on and the United States Virgin Islands (41/24), under 8 United States administration; and Anguilla (41/17), long-term conservation measures. On 29 October,( ) Bermuda (41/18), the British Virgin Islands (41/19), the United Kingdom said the bilateral fisheries the Cayman Islands (41/20), Montserrat (41/21) and agreements which Argentina had signed with the Turks and Caicos Islands (41/22), administered Bulgaria and the USSR were intended to preju- by the United Kingdom. dice matters in dispute between itself and Argen- The Assembly adopted decisions on the ques- tina, that it had informed the parties that those tions of Pitcairn (41/406), Gibraltar (41/407) and agreements were contrary to international law and St. Helena (41/408). that it had concluded that there was no longer a A visiting mission, dispatched to Tokelau in July, realistic prospect of achieving multilateral ar- reported that its people had expressed the desire rangements under FAO for the 1987 fishing season. to maintain their current association with New Therefore, in the interest of responsible conserva- Zealand, the administering Power. The Assembly tion and management, it issued a declaration, ef- approved the mission's report and urged New Zealand fective immediately, on the Falkland Islands Interim to intensify its political education programme to Conservation and Management Zone extending 200 improve the awareness of the Territory's people of nautical miles from the baselines from which the their right to self-determination (resolution 41/26). breadth of the territorial sea of the Falkland Islands Background papers on developments in most of was measured; legislative measures for the zone were the Territories were prepared for the Committee expected to be taken by the authorities in the Falkland on colonial countries by the United Nations Secretariat. Islands as an interim step pending internationally agreed arrangements for the south-west Atlantic fishery as a whole. On 30 October,(9) Argentina transmitted the text of a government press communiqué calling the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) United Kingdom's claim over the control of the fishing resources and jurisdiction over the contintental Communications. A number of letters were ad- shelf as juridically and politically inadmissible as dressed to the Secretary-General by Argentina, the it encroached on waters over which Argentina ex- United Kingdom and others on the Falkland Islands ercised rights of sovereignty and jurisdiction. On (Malvinas) situation in 1986. 3 November,(10) Argentina stated that the United 962 Trusteeship and decolonization

Kingdom's declaration marked a step backwards November(16) Argentina transmitted a letter in the elimination of colonialism and was a viola- dated 4 November from the FAO Director-General, tion of General Assembly recommendations on the confirming that FAO, within its limits of com- Malvinas question; the pretext of concern for petence and mandate as a specialized technical marine resources conservation was a cover for its agency, was assessing the state of fishery resources unilateral move to improve its position in the sov- in the south-west Atlantic, as requested at the FAO ereignty controversy. Annexed to the letter was the Conference in 1985. text of a 31 October note to the United Kingdom, India transmitted on 15 May(17) the final transmitted through the Embassy of Brazil at documents of the Ministerial Meeting of the Co- Buenos Aires, formally rejecting Britain's claims ordinating Bureau of the Movement of Non- and reaffirming Argentine sovereignty over the Aligned Countries (New Delhi, 16-19 April), in Malvinas Islands, the South Georgia and the which the Ministers again supported Argentina's South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding right to have its sovereignty over the Malvinas maritime waters, sea-bed and marine subsoil. In restored through negotiations and reaffirmed that a declaration of 17 November(11) Argentina ex- the massive United Kingdom military and naval pressed its willingness to start negotiations with presence in the area was a cause for concern to the United Kingdom—with the Secretary- the countries of the region. That position was General's assistance—on problems between the reiterated in a communique adopted by the two countries besides the sovereignty dispute, Plenary Meeting of the Non-Aligned Countries namely, trade, consular and diplomatic relations, (New York, 20 November) forwarded by Zim- transport and communications, and fishing babwe on 21 November. (18) resources. Action by the Committee on colonial coun- On 21 November(12) the United Kingdom, re- tries. The Committee on colonial countries(19) sponding to the 30 October and 3 November let- considered the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) ques- ters from Argentina, stated that its 29 October tion at two meetings, on 12 and 14 August, hear- declaration respected the rights that Argentina ing statements by Argentina and Committee might legitimately claim under international law; members as well as a representative of the that the declaration was aimed at fish-stock con- Legislative Council of the Falkland Islands and two servation, not at bolstering Britain's sovereignty other petitioners. The United Kingdom, the ad- over the Falkland Islands; that it was Argentina ministering Power concerned, did not participate; which had sought to use the fisheries issue to ad- it had informed the Committee in January that vance its sovereignty claim; and that the United it would no longer take part in the Committee's Kingdom rejected Argentina's claim to sovereignty work (see p. 967). over the Falkland Islands, the South Georgia and The Committee, on 14 August, reiterated that the South Sandwich Islands. It added that the In- the way to end the colonial situation in the terim Conservation and Management Zone, pro- Falkland Islands (Malvinas) was by a negotiated claimed by the Governor of the Falkland Islands settlement of the sovereignty dispute between on 29 October, did not extend beyond the protec- Argentina and the United Kingdom. Expressing tion zone it had set up as a defensive measure. regret that implementation of Assembly resolu- Peru, on 5 November(13) deplored the United tions on the question had not started, the Com- Kingdom's decision on the fishing zone, contend- mittee urged the parties to resume negotiations ing that the unilateral measure frustrated Argen- and reiterated its support for the renewed good of- tina's efforts to resolve its dispute with the United fices mission of the Secretary-General to assist Kingdom peacefully. Venezuela, on 6 November(14) them. transmitted a 30 October government statement Report of the Secretary-General. In accord- in which it declared that the latest United Kingdom ance with a 1985 General Assembly request(20) decision disrupted international efforts aimed at the Secretary-General submitted, in November settling the sovereignty dispute. 1986, a report on the question of the Falkland Argentina, on 13 November(15) transmitted the Islands (Malvinas)(21) in which he stated that he text of an 11 November resolution adopted by the had exchanged views on the question with Argen- Permanent Council of the Organization of tina and the United Kingdom, meeting with both American States (OAS), at Guatemala City, in heads of Government and, on a number of occa- which the Council expressed its concern over the sions, with their Foreign Ministers and Permanent new element of potential conflict introduced by the Representatives to the United Nations. Their posi- United Kingdom's declaration, asked both parties tions remained essentially unchanged, he said, to negotiate and to refrain from taking actions that with the United Kingdom remaining committed might affect the de facto situation, and asked OAS to improving bilateral relations with Argentina to ask the international community to redouble over practical matters, setting aside the sovereignty its efforts to gain a settlement. On 20 issue, on which it considered that views were fun- Other colonial Territories 963

Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Gabon, German Democratic Republic, damentally opposed, and to defending the rights Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, of the Falkland Islands to self-determination. Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Argentina had expressed its willingness to initiate Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, negotiations in accordance with the 1985 Assembly Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, resolution(20) in order to resolve the differences, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syrian Arab including all aspects concerning the future of the Republic, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian SSR, USSR, Territory. The Secretary-General regretted the lack United Republic of Tanzania, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe. of progress and stated that time was not necessarily Against: Belize, Oman, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom. working in favour of overcoming the obstacles to Abstaining: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Burma, Cam- a peaceful settlement; he remained ready to assist eroon, Denmark, Finland, Gambia, Germany, Federal Republic of, Grenada, Ice- land, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malawi, the parties. Maldives, Malta, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Qatar, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION On 25 November, the General Assembly In the plenary debate, Argentina declared that adopted by recorded vote resolution 41/40. the situation had worsened, with the United Kingdom introducing a new and alarming factor Question of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) as a result of its 29 October declaration which, it The General Assembly, Having considered the question of the Falkland Islands charged, sought to expand British domination over (Malvinas) and having received the report of the the area. Stating that the sovereignty dispute with Secretary-General, the United Kingdom dated back to 1833, Argen- Aware of the interest of the international community tina said that all United Kingdom action was in the peaceful and definitive settlement by the Govern- aimed at asserting its purported sovereignty, while ments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great everything Argentina was doing was aimed at Britain and Northern Ireland of all their differences, in recovering its sovereignty. accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, The United Kingdom asserted that the sover- Taking note of the interest repeatedly expressed by both eignty issue had dogged attempts to make progress parties in normalizing their relations, Convinced that such purpose would be facilitated by in Anglo-Argentine relations, that Argentina con- a global negotiation between both Governments that will tinued to reject United Kingdom efforts to re- allow them to rebuild mutual confidence on a solid basis establish contacts and rebuild mutual confidence, and to resolve the pending problems, including all and that the people of the Falkland Islands should aspects on the future of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), be allowed to exercise their right to self- 1. Reiterates its request to the Governments of Argen- determination. It said the fisheries declaration was tina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and made basically for conservation reasons, but also Northern Ireland to initiate negotiations with a view to because Argentina claimed a 200-mile zone cen- finding the means to resolve peacefully and definitively tred on the Falkland Islands and thus challenged the problems pending between both countries, including all aspects on the future of the Falkland Islands the United Kingdom on the sovereignty question. (Malvinas), in accordance with the Charter of the In its view, the Argentine proposal of 17 November United Nations; (see p. 962) on formal cessation of hostilities was 2. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his re- laden with conditions; the United Kingdom re- newed mission of good offices in order to assist the par- mained ready to discuss everything except sover- ties in complying with the request made in paragraph eignty and, while there was a sovereignty dispute, 1 above, and to take the necessary measures to that end; the essential question was that of self- 3. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the determination. General Assembly at its forty-second session a report In explanation of vote, Argentina said the text on the progress made in the implementation of the pres- ent resolution; contained a procedural request to the two parties 4. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its to negotiate on all aspects on the future of the forty-second session the item entitled "Question of the islands; the international community had Falkland Islands (Malvinas)". recognized the dispute as that of sovereignty. The General Assembly resolution 41/40 United Kingdom said the text, despite its seduc- tive simplicity and cosmetic appeal, was pro- 25 November 1986 Meeting 84 116-4-34 (recorded vote) Argentine in calling for negotiations on "all 12-nation draft (A/41/L.19 & Add.1); agenda item 28. Sponsors: Algeria, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Mexico, aspects" and thus supporting the Argentine con- Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Yugoslavia. tention that sovereignty must be discussed. Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 18, 19; plenary 82, 84. Oman expressed hope that a balanced text would Recorded vote in Assembly as follows: be produced in the future for approval by consensus. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Sri Lanka said the draft should have stressed the Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Byelorussian SSR, Canada, Cape right of the peoples to be consulted on their future Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, constitutional status; merely urging the two par- Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, ties to resolve the conflict was insufficient. 964 Trusteeship and decolonization

Asserting that both parties must agree to mation it had provided in 1979,(3) as required by negotiate without any pre-conditions, Lesotho said Article 73 (e) of the Charter of the United Nations. it would have liked the text not to include the Indonesia, on 31 July(4) and 4,(5) 13(6) and 14 phrase "including all aspects on the future of the August,(7) expressed its opposition to the ap- Falkland Islands (Malvinas)". Solomon Islands pearance of petitioners before the Committee on hoped to see a more compromising approach to colonial countries to discuss the question of East working out an agenda for negotiations. Timor. It said that the process of decolonization Botswana called for negotiations on solving the in East Timor had been carried out under the pro- dispute in all its aspects, while upholding the right visions of the Charter and 1960 General Assembly of the inhabitants to self-determination. Although resolutions 1514(XV)(8) and 1541(XV),(9) and regretting the absence of a consensus text, Sweden that, East Timor having been integrated into In- considered the draft to be a constructive attempt donesia in 1976, the Committee's consideration of at promoting a dialogue between the parties with- the question would constitute interference in in- out any pre-conditions. Kuwait considered the text ternal affairs of a sovereign State. balanced, as did the Netherlands, which felt the word- Action by the Committee on colonial coun- ing did not prejudge the outcome of negotiations. tries. The Committee on colonial countries(10) France favoured negotiations without prior conditions considered the East Timor question at three and covering all aspects of the problem; similarly, meetings on 4 and 15 August 1986. It heard Canada considered the text to offer the most ap- statements by Angola, Cape Verde, Indonesia, propriate means for solving the dispute. Mongolia Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe said the international community was entitled to and Sweden. In addition, it granted requests for require that the permanent member of the Security hearing from petitioners and heard statements by Council renounce its colonial policy. Jordan, Le- a representative of the Frente Revolucionaria de sotho and Sweden supported the continuation of Timor Leste Independente (FRETILIN) as well as the Secretary-General's good offices mission. by a member of the Japanese National Diet, On 25 November, the Assembly took note of the members of two universities, and representatives report of the Fourth Committee on the question of 16 non-governmental organizations and the East (decision 41/414).(22) The Committee had heard Timor refugee community in Australia. on 24 November two petitioners representing the On 15 August, the Committee decided to con- Falkland Islands Legislative Council and two tinue consideration of the item in 1987, subject to others as natives of the islands.(23) Assembly directives. Note by the Secretary-General. In Septem- REFERENCES ber,(11) the Secretary-General informed the (1)A/41/529-S/18290. (2)A/41/669-S/18378. (3)A/41/884-S/18478. General Assembly that talks were continuing be- (4)A/41/585-S/18321. (5)A/41/708-S/18399. (6)A/41/974-S/18529. 7 8 9 10 tween Indonesia and Portugal under his auspices, ( )A/41/636. ( )A/41/777. ( )A/41/784-S/18438. ( )A/41/788- S/18441. (11)A/41/845-S/18460. (12)A/41/868-S/18473. with a view to achieving a comprehensive and in- (13)A/41/797. (14)A/41/808. (15)A/41/828-S/18457. (16)A/41/863- ternationally acceptable settlement of the question S/18468. (17)A/41/341-S/18065 & Corr.1. (18)A/41/867-S/18471. of East Timor. The last round of talks was held (19)A/41/23. ( 20)YUN 1985, p. 1134, GA res. 40/21, 27 21 22 23 from 9 to 12 September, further meetings were Nov. 1985. ( )A/41/824. ( )A/41/870. ( )A/C.4/41/9 & Add.1,2. scheduled and a report would be submitted in due course.

REFERENCES East Timor (1)S/17744. (2)A/41/190. (3)YUN 1979, p. 1117. (4)A/AC.109/872. (5)A/AC.109/872/Add.1. (6)A/AC.109/872/Add.2. (7)A/AC.109/ 872/Add.3 & Corr.1. (8)YUN 1960, p. 49, GA res. 1514(XV), In 1986, the General Assembly did not consider 14 Dec. 1960. (9)Ibid., p. 509, GA res. 1541(XV), 15 the question of East Timor as the result of a Dec. 1960. (10)A/41/23. (11)A/41/602. recommendation of the General Committee (see p. 378). Communications. On 16 January,(1) Mozam- bique forwarded to the Secretary-General a Western Sahara November 1985 article from what it called a publication of Tahanan Politick (TAPOL), an In- Action by the Commission on Human Rights. donesian opposition exile group, regarding what On 10 March 1986,(1) the Commission on it labelled Indonesian colonialism in East Timor, Human Rights reaffirmed that the Western Sahara and asked that it be circulated as a document of question was one of decolonization and again re- the Security Council. quested the parties to the conflict, Morocco and Portugal informed the Secretary-General on 4 the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia March(2) that it had nothing to add to the infor- el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (POLISARIO Front), to Other colonial Territories 965 bring about a cease-fire and the necessary condi- Recalling the inalienable right of all peoples to self- tions for a referendum for self-determination of the determination and independence, in accordance with the people of Western Sahara. It welcomed the efforts principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations of the Secretary-General and the current Chair- and in General Assembly resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, containing the Declaration on the Grant- man of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) ing of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, to achieve a solution and decided to consider the Recalling its resolution 40/50 of 2 December 1985 on situation in 1987 as a matter of priority. (See also the question of Western Sahara, p. 700.) Recalling resolution AHG/Res.104(XIX) on Western Action by the Committee on colonial coun- Sahara, adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and tries. The Committee on colonial countries(2) con- Government of the Organization of African Unity at its sidered the Western Sahara question at one meeting nineteenth ordinary session, held at Addis Ababa from each on 4 and 11 August. The Committee heard 6 to 12 June 1983, Taking note with appreciation of the part of the Political statements by Afghanistan, the Congo, Cuba, the Declaration adopted by the Eighth Conference of Heads Syrian Arab Republic and the United Republic of of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held Tanzania; a representative of the POLISARIO Front at Harare from 1 to 6 September 1986 concerning Western also spoke. On 11 August, the Committee decided Sahara, to consider the item in 1987, subject to General Having examined the relevant chapter of the report of Assembly directives. the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to Report of the Secretary-General. In accordance the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting with a 1985 General Assembly resolution,(3) the of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, Having examined the report of the Secretary-General on Secretary-General submitted in October 1986 a re- 4 the question of Western Sahara, port( ) in which he reviewed contacts he and the Noting with appreciation the joint good offices process OAU Chairman had made with Morocco and the initiated in New York on 9 April 1986 by the current Chair- POLISARIO Front between March and September man of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government 1986. The Secretary-General and the OAU Chair- of the Organization of African Unity and the Secretary- man concluded that the positions of the parties re- General of the United Nations with a view to implementing mained far apart on such basic questions as the ar- resolution AHG/Res.104(XIX) and General Assembly rangements for the cease-fire and the conducting resolution 40/50, of an envisaged referendum, and that it was necessary 1. Reaffirms that the question of Western Sahara is a question of decolonization which remains to be com- for the parties to show more flexibility in order for pleted on the basis of the exercise by the people of West- progress to be made. ern Sahara of their inalienable right to self-determination Communications. On 17 October,(5) Morocco and independence; informed the Secretary-General of its decision not 2. Reaffirms also that the solution of the question of to participate in the Assembly debate on the question, Western Sahara lies in the implementation of resolution asserting that the draft resolution put forward at AHG/Res.104(XIX) of the Assembly of Heads of State the current Assembly session attempted to diminish and Government of the Organization of African Unity, the Secretary-General's cease-fire and referendum which establishes ways and means for a just and definitive political solution to the Western Sahara conflict; initiative by setting a number of pre-conditions. 3. Again requests, to that end, the two parties to the The failure to find a peaceful settlement to the conflict, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Frente Popular conflict in Western Sahara was deplored by the para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro, Eighth Conference of Heads of State or Govern- to undertake direct negotiations, in the shortest possi- ment of Non-Aligned Countries (Harare, Zimbabwe, ble time, with a view to bringing about a cease-fire to 1-6 September 1986).(6) The Conference urged create the necessary conditions for a peaceful and fair Morocco and the POLISARIO Front to hold direct referendum for self-determination of the people of Western negotiations to reach a cease-fire and create the con- Sahara, a referendum without any administrative or military constraints, under the auspices of the Organization ditions necessary for a referendum under the auspices of African Unity and the United Nations; of OAU and the United Nations. 4. Welcomes the efforts of the current Chairman of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION Organization of African Unity and the Secretary-General The Fourth Committee, in October, heard four of the United Nations to promote a just and definitive 7 solution of the question of Western Sahara, in conform- petitioners at their request,( ) including a represen- ity with General Assembly resolution 40/50; tative of the POLISARIO Front. 5. Invites the current Chairman of the Assembly of On 31 October, on the recommendation of the Heads of State and Government of the Organization of Fourth Committee, the General Assembly adopted African Unity and the Secretary-General of the United resolution 41/16 by recorded vote. Nations to continue to exert every effort to persuade the two parties to the conflict, the Kingdom of Morocco and Question of Western Sahara the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra The General Assembly, y de Río de Oro, to negotiate, in the shortest possible Having considered in depth the question of Western Sahara, time and in conformity with resolution AHG/Res. 966 Trusteeship and decolonization

104(XIX), General Assembly resolution 40/50 and the readiness of both sides to accept the result of the present resolution, the terms of a cease-fire and the referendum and the United Nations role. Brazil modalities for organizing the said referendum; and Egypt shared that view. Colombia, Somalia 6. Appeals to the Kingdom of Morocco and the and Zaire felt the text should have emphasized Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro to display the political will necessary more fully the Secretary-General's initiatives and to implement resolution AHG/Res.104(XIX), General good offices. Canada commended the Secretary- Assembly resolution 40/50 and the present resolution; General for his efforts and urged the parties in- 7. Reaffirms the determination of the United Nations volved to take advantage of the good offices at their to co-operate fully with the Organization of African disposal to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Unity with a view to implementing the relevant deci- Sweden would have preferred a consensus text, as sions of that organization, in particular resolution would the United States, which considered that AHG/Res.104(XIX); the draft was heavily biased in favour of the 8. Requests the Special Committee on the Situation Algerian position, failed to accommodate certain with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries legitimate concerns of Morocco and took little ac- and Peoples to continue to consider the situation in Western count of the progress made by the Secretary- Sahara as a matter of priority and to report thereon to General. Turkey viewed the draft as not conform- the General Assembly at its forty-second session; ing to the expectations of all the parties concerned. 9. Invites the Secretary-General of the Organization Guatemala said the parties involved should be of African Unity to keep the Secretary-General of the allowed to find their own solution to the dispute. United Nations informed of the progress achieved in the Thailand abstained as it did not recognize the implementation of the decisions of the Organization of POLISARIO Front. African Unity relating to Western Sahara; China and Oman did not participate in the 10. Invites the Secretary-General to follow the situa- tion in Western Sahara closely with a view to the im- Committee vote, with China urging the people of plementation of the present resolution and to report Western Sahara themselves to solve the issue and thereon to the General Assembly at its forty-second expressing support for the Secretary-General's ef- forts to that end. General Assembly resolution 41/16 Among those voting in favour, Australia cau- 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 98-0-44 (recorded vote) tioned against formulations prejudicial to the out- come of an act of self-determination. New Zealand Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) by recorded vote (92-2-46), 22 October (meeting 18); 47-nation draft (A/C.4/41/L2); agenda item 19. called for such an act to be held under United Na- Sponsors: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Benin, Bo- tions auspices. Finland supported the appeal made tswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic Yemen, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Iran, Lao People's Democratic to the parties concerned. Austria and Norway Republic, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, believed that a political solution to the conflict fell Mauritania, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra primarily within the scope of OAU. Uruguay and Leone, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, the Sudan felt the draft should have reflected the Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. progress made. Recorded vote in Assembly as follows: In the plenary Assembly, Costa Rica urged that In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argen- the new process of indirect negotiations under the tina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bo- Secretary-General's good offices be given an op- tswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Byelorussian SSR, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic portunity to prove its effectiveness. Bolivia said the Yemen, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Secretary-General should be given a broader man- Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, India, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Lao People's Democratic date and Senegal called for a display of political Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, will. Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philip- pines, Poland, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent REFERENCES and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, 2 3 Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Trinidad (1)E/1986/22 (res. 1986/21). ( )A/41/23. ( )YUN 1985, p. 1138, GA res. 40/50, 2 Dec. 1985. (4)A/41/673. (5)A/41/723. and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian SSR, USSR, United Republic of Tan- 7 zania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe. (6)A/41/697-S/18392. ( )A/C.4/41/3 & Add.1-3. Against: None Abstaining: Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Denmark, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Germany, Federal Republic of, Guatemala, Guinea, Hon- duras, Iceland, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Netherlands, Pakistan, Paraguay, Portugal, Samoa, Other Territories Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Togo, United Kingdom, United States, Zaire. In 1986, the Committee on colonial coun- In explanation of its negative vote in the Com- tries,(1) charged with overseeing the implementa- mittee, Chile said the text did not facilitate the tion of the 1960 Declaration on the Granting of negotiations. Independence to Colonial Countries and Peru felt the draft should have referred more ex- Peoples,(2) held two sessions in New York—on 18 plicitly to the new developments, particularly the March, and from 4 to 15 August and on 10 Other colonial Territories 967

September. The Committee had before it work- Noting that a constitutional convention to consider ing papers by the Secretariat on the situation in amendments to the present Constitution was held from the Territories under consideration. 30 June to 11 July 1986 and that proposals adopted By a letter of 30 January, the United Kingdom would be put to the voters for approval in November 1986, informed the Committee Chairman that it had Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical decided not to participate henceforth in the work location and economic conditions of the Territory and of the Committee or its sub-committees; it added bearing in mind the necessity of diversifying and that it would continue to fulfil its responsibilities strengthening further its economy as a matter of priority under the United Nations Charter towards its in order to promote economic stability, Non-Self-Governing Territories and that it would Recalling the dispatch in 1981 of a United Nations also inform the Secretary-General of any relevant visiting mission to the Territory, political and constitutional developments in those Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide Territories. an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the small Territories and considering that the possibility of By a 4 August resolution on sending visiting sending a further visiting mission to American Samoa missions to Territories, the Committee expressed at an appropriate time should be kept under review, regret over the United Kingdom's decision and 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special urged that it permit the access of missions to the Committee on the Situation with regard to the Im- Territories under its administration. plementation of the Declaration on the Granting of In- The General Assembly, in October, adopted dependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating resolutions or decisions, most of which were based to American Samoa; on drafts proposed by the Committee on colonial 2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of American Samoa to self-determination and independ- countries. The Assembly also considered the situa- ence in conformity with the Declaration on the Grant- tion in New Caledonia (see p. 912). ing of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, contained in General Assembly resolution 1514(XV); American Samoa 3. Reiterates the view that such factors as territorial In November 1986, proposed changes to the size, geographical location, size of population and limited natural resources should in no way delay the Constitution of American Samoa relating to ex- speedy exercise by the people of the Territory of their pansion of the territorial legislature, qualifications inalienable right to self-determination and independ- and impeachment of public officials and judicial ence in conformity with the Declaration, which fully ap- reconstruction were rejected by the voters in a plies to American Samoa; referendum. 4. Calls upon the Government of the United States of America, as the administering Power, to take all

GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION necessary steps, taking into account the rights, interests and wishes of the people of American Samoa as ex- On 31 October, on the recommendation of the pressed freely in conditions leading to real self- Fourth Committee, the General Assembly adopted determination, to expedite the process of decolonization without vote resolution 41/23. of the Territory in accordance with the relevant provi- sions of the Charter of the United Nations and the Question of American Samoa Declaration and reaffirms the importance of fostering The General Assembly, an awareness among the people of American Samoa of Having considered the question of American Samoa, the possibilities open to them in the exercise of their right Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of to self-determination and independence; the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to 5. Notes that, pursuant to an act of Congress, the the Implementation of the Declaration on the Grant- United States Secretary of the Interior is no longer ing of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, authorized to make changes unilaterally in the Consti- Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, tution of American Samoa and that the people of the Ter- containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- ritory are the final ratifying authority over the Constitution; ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and all other 6. Calls upon the administering Power to respond resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating favourably to the request of the Samoan people to ap- to American Samoa, including in particular its resolu- point the Chief Justice and other members of the judi- tion 40/41 of 2 December 1985, ciary of the Territory themselves; Taking into account the statement of the representative 7. Reaffirms the responsibility of the administering of the administering Power relating to American Samoa, Power, under the Charter, to promote the economic and Conscious of the need to promote progress towards the social development of American Samoa and calls upon full implementation of the Declaration in respect of the administering Power to intensify its efforts to strengthen American Samoa, and diversify the economy of the Territory and to make Noting with appreciation the continued participation of it more viable in order to reduce its heavy economic and the United States of America, as the administering financial dependence on the United States and to create Power, in the work of the Special Committee in regard employment opportunities for the people of the Territory; to American Samoa, thereby enabling it to conduct a 8. Expresses the hope that the development planning more informed and meaningful examination of the situa- process initiated by the first five-year development plan tion in the Territory, will be continued and strengthened; 968 Trusteeship and decolonization

9. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation Noting that the economy of Anguilla continued to grow with the territorial Government, to safeguard the in- during the period under review, particularly the tourist alienable right of the people of the Territory to the en- industry, and that the Government accorded the highest joyment of their natural resources by taking effective priority to the development of the Territory’s economic measures to ensure their right to own and dispose of and social infrastructure and was reviewing options for those resources and to establish and maintain control the diversification of its economy in such sectors as of their future development with a view to creating con- fisheries, agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, ditions for a balanced, diversified and viable economy; Noting with satisfaction the increase in funds ad- 10. Urges the administering Power to continue to ministered by the United Nations Development Pro- facilitate close relations and co-operation between the gramme and in funds from other sources, peoples of American Samoa and the neighbouring island Noting the participation of Anguilla for the first time, communities and between the territorial Government in June 1985, in the Caribbean Group for Co-operation and the regional institutions in order to enhance fur- in Economic Development, ther the economic and social welfare of the people of Recalling the dispatch in 1984 of a United Nations the Territory; visiting mission to the Territory, 11. Requests the Special Committee to continue the Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide examination of this question at its next session, including an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the the dispatch of a further visiting mission to American small Territories and considering that the possibility of Samoa at an appropriate time and in consultation with sending a further visiting mission to Anguilla at an ap- the administering Power, taking into account, in par- propriate time should be kept under review, ticular, the wishes of the people of the Territory, and to 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special report thereon to the General Assembly at its forty- Committee on the Situation with regard to the Im- second session. plementation of the Declaration on the Granting of In- General Assembly resolution 41/23 dependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating to Anguilla; 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote 2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting Anguilla to self-determination and independence in con- 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. formity with the Declaration on the Granting of Inde- pendence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, contained Anguilla in General Assembly resolution 1514(XV); 3. Reiterates the view that such factors as territorial GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION size, geographical location, size of population and On 31 October, the General Assembly, on the limited natural resources should in no way delay the recommendation of the Fourth Committee, speedy exercise by the people of the Territory of their adopted resolution 41/17 without vote. inalienable right to self-determination and independ- d- ence in conformity with the Declaration, which fully ap- Question of Anguilla plies to Anguilla; The General Assembly, 4. Reiterates that it is the responsibility of the United Having considered the question of Anguilla, Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as the Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of administering Power, to create such conditions in in the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to Anguilla as will enable its people to exercise freely and the Implementation of the Declaration on the Grant- without interference, from a well-informed standpoint ing of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, as to the available options, their inalienable right to Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, determination and independence in accordance with containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- resolution 1514(XV) and all other relevant resolutions ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,-and all other of the General Assembly; resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating 5. Reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of to Anguilla, including in particular its resolution 40/48 Anguilla themselves to determine freely their future of 2 December 1985, political status in accordance with the relevant provi- Conscious of the need to ensure the full and speedy im- sions of the Charter of the United Nations and the plementation of the Declaration in respect of the Ter- Declaration and, in that connection, reaffirms the im- ritory, portance of fostering an awareness among the people Noting the appointment of a Constitution Review Com- of the Territory of the possibilities open to them in the mittee in October 1985, and the statement by the Governor exercise of their right to self-determination and inde- of the Territory, in which he reiterated that the administer- pendence; ing Power would only consider substantial changes to the 6. Calls upon the administering Power, in co- Constitution as part of a process to move towards inde- operation with the Government of Anguilla, to continue pendence within eighteen months to two years, to strengthen the economy of the Territory and to in- Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical crease its assistance to programmes of diversification; location and economic conditions of the Territory and 7. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation bearing in mind the necessity of diversifying and with the territorial Government, to continue the strengthening further its economy as a matter of priority assistance necessary for the increased employment of in order to promote economic stability, the local population in the civil service, as well as in Reaffirming the responsibility of the administering managerial, technical and other sectors of the economy; Power to promote the economic and social development 8. Reiterates its request to the administering Power, in of the Territory, the light of the observations, conclusions and recommen-- Other colonial Territories 969

dations of the United Nations Visiting Mission to Welcoming the role being played in the Territory by the Anguilla, 1984, to continue to enlist the assistance of United Nations Development Programme, specifically the specialized agencies and other organizations of the in programmes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, United Nations system, in particular the United Na- Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide tions Development Programme, and other regional and an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the international bodies, in the development and strengthen- small Territories, ing of the economy of Anguilla; 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special 9. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation Committee on the Situation with regard to the Im- with the territorial Government, to take effective plementation of the Declaration on the Granting of In- measures to safeguard, guarantee and ensure the rights dependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating of the people of Anguilla to own and dispose of their to Bermuda; natural resources and to establish and maintain control 2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Ber- over their future development; muda to self-determination and independence in con- 10. Recalls the recommendation of the Visiting Mis- formity with the Declaration on the Granting of Inde- sion that the administering Power should continue to pendence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. contained make every effort to facilitate and encourage the par- in General Assembly resolution 1514(XV); ticipation of representatives of the Territory in regional 3. Reiterates the view that such factors as territorial and international organizations, including the Economic size, geographical location, size of population and Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, in limited natural resources should in no way delay the order to enable them to examine political, economic and speedy exercise by the people of the Territory of their social developments in other Territories and countries inalienable right to self-determination and independ- similar to their own; ence in conformity with the Declaration, which fully ap- 11. Requests the Special Committee to continue the plies to Bermuda; examination of this question at its next session, including 4. Reiterates that it is the obligation of the United the possible dispatch of a further visiting mission to Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as the Anguilla at an appropriate time and in consultation with administering Power, to create such conditions in Ber- the administering Power, and to report thereon to the muda as will enable the people of the Territory to exer- General Assembly at its forty-second session. cise freely and without interference their inalienable General Assembly resolution 41/17 right to self-determination and independence in accord- 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote ance with the Declaration and, in that connection, reaf- firms the importance of fostering an awareness among Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting the people of Bermuda of the possibilities open to them 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. Meeting numbers GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. in the exercise of that right; 5. Reaffirms that, in accordance with the relevant pro- visions of the Charter of the United Nations and the Declaration, it is ultimately for the people of Bermuda GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION themselves to determine their own future political status; On 31 October, on the recommendation of the 6. Reaffirms its strong conviction that the presence of Fourth Committee, the General Assembly adopted military bases and installations in the Territory could without vote resolution 41/l8, constitute a major obstacle to the implementation of the Declaration and that it is the responsibility of the ad- Question of Bermuda ministering Power to ensure that the existence of such The General Assembly, bases and installations does not hinder the population Having cosidered the question of Bermuda, of the Territory from exercising its right to self- Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of determination and independence in conformity with the the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to purposes and principles of the Charter; the Implementation of the Declaration on the Grant- 7. Urges the administering Power to continue to take ing of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, all necessary measures not to involve Bermuda in any Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, offensive acts or interference directed against other States containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- and to comply fully with the purposes and principles ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. and all other of the Charter, the Declaration and the resolutions and resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating decisions of the General Assembly relating to military to Bermuda, including in particular its resolution 40/43 activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Ter- of 2 December 1985, ritories under their administration; Conscious of the need to ensure the full and speedy im- 8. Urges once again the administering Power, in co- plementation of the Declaration in respect of the Ter- operation with the territorial Government, to continue ritory, to take all effective measures to guarantee the right of Noting the planned introduction of a Private Member’s the people of Bermuda to own and dispose of their nat- Bill in the Senate of Bermuda demanding a referendum ural resources and to establish and maintain control over on the issue of independence to take place on 7 April their future development with a view to creating condi- 1987. tions for a diversified, balanced and viable economy; Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical 9. Urges the specialized agencies and other organiza- location and economic conditions of the Territory and tions of the United Nations system to continue to pay bearing in mind the necessity of diversifying and fur- special attention to the development needs of Bermuda; ther strengthening its economy as a matter of priority 10. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation in order to promote economic stability, with the territorial Government, to continue the 970 Trusteeshtip and decolonization assistance necessary for increased employment of the Welcoming also the continued participation of the Ter- local population in the civil service, particularly at sen- ritory in the Caribbean Group for Co-operation in ior levels; Economic Development, sponsored by the World Bank, 11. Emphasizes the desirability of sending a visiting and in other regional and international organizations, mission to the Territory and requests the administer- including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and ing Power to facilitate such a mission at the earliest possi- Cultural Organization and the Economic Commission ble opportunity; for Latin America and the Caribbean and its subsidiary 12. Requests the Special Committee to continue the bodies, and noting the admission of the Territory in April examination of this question at its next session, including 1985 to membership in the Caribbean Centre for De- the possible dispatch of a visiting mission to Bermuda velopment Administration, at an appropriate time and in consultation with the ad- Recalling the dispatch in 1976 of a United Nations ministering Power, and to report thereon to the General visiting mission to the Territory, Assembly at its forty-second session. Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide General Assembly resolution 41/18 an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the small Territories and considering that the possibility of 31 October 1996 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote sending a further visiting mission to the British Virgin Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting Islands at an appropriate time should be kept under 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. review, 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special British Virgin Islands Committee on the Situation with regard to the Im- plementation of the Declaration on the Granting of In- GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION dependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating On 31 October, on the recommendation of the to the British Virgin Islands; Fourth Committee, the General Assembly adopted 2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of the without vote resolution 41/19. British Virgin Islands to self-determination and inde- pendence in conformity with the Declaration on the Question of the British Virgin Islands Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and The General Assembly, Peoples, contained in General Assembly resolution Having considered the question of the British Virgin 1514(XV); Islands, 3. Reiterates the view that such factors as territorial Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of size, geographical location, size of population and the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to limited natural resources should in no way delay the the Implementation of the Declaration on the Grant- speedy exercise by the people of the Territory of their ing of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, inalienable right to self-determination and independ- Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, ence in conformity with the Declaration, which fully ap- containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- plies to the British Virgin Islands; ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and all other 4. Reiterates that it is the responsibility of the United resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as the to the British Virgin Islands, including in particular its administering Power, to create such conditions in the resolution 40/44 of 2 December 1985, British Virgin Islands as will enable the people of the Conscious of the need to ensure the full and speedy im- Territory to exercise freely and without interference their plementation of the Declaration in respect of the Ter- inalienable right to self-determination and independ- ritory, ence in accordance with resolution 1514(XV) and all Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical other relevant resolutions of the General Assembly; location and economic conditions of the Territory and 5. Reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of the bearing in mind the necessity of diversifying and fur- British Virgin Islands themselves to determine their ther strengthening its economy as a matter of priority future political status in accordance with the relevant in order to promote economic stability, provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the Reaffirming that it is the responsibility of the ad- Declaration, and in that connection reaffirms the im- ministering Power to promote the economic and social portance of fostering an awareness among the people development of the Territory, of the Territory of the possibilities open to them in the Noting that, while the service sectors of the economy exercise of their right to self-determination; of the British Virgin Islands are growing, agriculture 6. Calls upon the administering Power, in co-operation and manufacturing have remained relatively static, and with the territorial Government, to intensify its efforts noting in that connection the continuing commitment to broaden the base of the economy of the Territory; of the territorial Government to attaining economic 7. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation diversification, particularly in the areas of agriculture, with the Government of the British Virgin Islands, to fisheries and small industries, and the constraints which safeguard the inalienable right of the people of the Ter- the Territory faces in that regard, ritory to the enjoyment of their natural resources by tak- Welcoming the contribution to the development of the ing effective measures to ensure their right to own and British Virgin Islands by the specialized agencies and dispose of those resources and to establish and main- other organizations of the United Nations system that tain control of their future development; operate in the Territory, as well as that of regional 8. Urges the specialized agencies and other organiza- organizations, including the Caribbean Development tions of the United Nations system to intensify measures Bank, and noting the further a!location of funds by the to accelerate progress in the social and economic devel- United Nations Development Programme, opment of the Territory; Other colonial Territories 971

9. Reiterates its call upon the administering Power to 2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of the continue to facilitate the participation of the British Virgin Cayman Islands to self-determination and independence Islands in various international and regional organiza- in conformity with the Declaration on the Granting of tions and in other organizations of the United Nations system; Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, con- 10. Calls upon the administering Power, noting that tained in General Assembly resolution 1514(XV); nearly two fifths of the employed labour force consists 3. Reiterates the view that such factors as territorial size, of expatriates, to facilitate, in co-operation with the ter- geographical location, size of population and limited nat- ritorial Government, the adoption of a manpower training ural resources should in no way delay the speedy exer- programme by further upgrading the educational system, cise by the people of the Territory of their inalienable in order to expand the participation of the local popula- right to self-determination and independence in conformity tion in the decision-making process in all sectors and to with the Declaration, which fully applies to the Cayman fill managerial and technical positions with local persons; Islands; 11. Requests the Special Committee to continue the 4. Reiterates that it is the responsibility of the United examination of this question at its next session, including Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as the the possible dispatch of a visiting mission to the British administering Power, to create such conditions in the Virgin Islands at an appropriate time and in consulta- Cayman Islands as will enable the people of the Territory tion with the administering Power, and to report thereon to exercise freely and without interference their inalienable to the General Assembly at its forty-second session. right to self-determination and independence in accordance General Assembly resolution 41/19 with resolution 1514(XV) and all other relevant resolu- 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote tions of the General Assembly; 5. Reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of the Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. Cayman Islands themselves to determine their future Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. political status in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the Declara- Cayman Islands tion, and in that connection reaffirms the importance of fostering an awareness among the people of the Ter- GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION ritory of the possibilities open to them in the exercise of On the recommendation of the Fourth Committee, their right to self-determination and independence; the General Assembly adopted without vote resolution 6. Reaffirms the responsibility of the administering 41/20 on 31 October. Power to promote the economic and social development of the Territory and recommends that priority must con- Question of the Cayman Islands tinue to be given to the diversification of the Territory’s The General Assembly, economy in order to provide the foundations for sound Having considered the question of the Cayman Islands, social and economic development; Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of 7. Calls upon the specialized agencies and other the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to organizations of the United Nations system, as well as the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting regional institutions such as the Caribbean Development of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, Bank, to continue to take all necessary measures to ac- Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, celerate progress in the social and economic life of the containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence Territory; to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and all other resolutions 8. Request the Special Committee to continue the ex- and decisions of the United Nations relating to the Cayman amination of this question at its next session, including Islands, including in particular its resolution 40/45 of the possible dispatch of a further visiting mission to the 2 December 1985, Cayman Islands at an appropriate time and in consultation Conscious of the need to ensure the full and speedy im- with the administering Power, and to report thereon to plementation of the Declaration in respect of the Territory, the General Assembly at its forty-second session. Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical location and economic conditions of the Territory and General Assembly resolution 41/20 bebearing in mind the necessity of diversifying and strengthen- 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote ing further its economy as a matter of priority in order Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting to promote economic stability, 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18: plenary 52. Noting with appreciation the continued contribution of the United Nations Development Programme to the de- Gibraltar velopment of the Territory, Recalling the dispatch in 1977 of a United Nations visiting Action by the Committee on colonial countries. mission to the Territory, On 15 August,(1) the Committee on colonial coun- Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide tries, taking into account the continuing discussions an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the between the parties concerned, decided to continue small Territories and Considering that the possibility of its consideration of the item in 1987, subject to sending a further visiting mission to the Cayman Islands Assembly directives. at an appropriate time should be kept under review, 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implemen- tation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- The General Assembly, acting on the recommen- ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating to the dation of the Fourth Committee, adopted decision Cayman Islands; 41/407 without vote in October. 972 Trusteeship and decolonization

Question of Gibraltar Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, At its 52nd plenary meeting, on 31 October 1986, the containmg the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- General Assembly, on the recommendation of the Fourth ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and all other Committee, adopted the following text as representing resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating the consensus of the members of the Assembly: to Guam, including in particular its resolution 40/42 “The General Assembly, noting that the Govern- of 2 December 1985, ments of Spain and of the United Kingdom of Great Conscious of the need to ensure the full and speedy im- Britain and Northern Ireland agreed at Brussels on plementation of the Declaration in respect of the Ter- 27 November 1984 on a statement whereby they decided ritory, to apply, before 15 February 1985, the Lisbon Declaration Having heard the statement of the representative of the of 10 April 1980 in all its parts; noting that this involved, United States of America, as the administering Power, simultaneously, the provision of equality and reciprocity relating to Guam, of rights for Spaniards in Gibraltar and Gibraltarians Taking note of the statement by the representative of in Spain, the establishment of the free movement of the administering Power that the Guam Commission persons, vehicles and goods between Gibraltar and the on Self-Determination, which was appointed in neighbouring territory and the establishment of a February 1984, has completed its work on the draft text negotiating process; and noting that, as regards this of a Commonwealth Act, last point, the Brussels statement reads as follows: Taking note of the statement by the representative of the administering Power that the Department of Defense " ‘(c) The establishment of a negotiating process aimed at overcoming all the differences between them had authorized the release of nearly 2,000 hectares of over Gibraltar and at promoting co-operation on a land previously under its control and that it was expected mutually beneficial basis on economic, cultural, touristic, that legislation to release that land would be enacted aviation, military and environmental matters. Both sides later in 1986, accept that the issues of sovereignty will be discussed Noting the potential offered for diversifying and in that process. The British Government will fully maintain developing the economy of the Territory, for example, in the areas of commercial fishing and agriculture, and its commitment to honour the wishes of the people of the statement of the representative of the administer- Gibraltar as set out in the preamble of the 1969 Con- stitution’; ing Power that the draft Commonwealth Act seeks to “welcomes the fact that on 5 February 1985 equality promote economic development by establishing a free and reciprocity of rights were established for Spaniards trade zone between Guam and the United States of in Gibraltar and Gibraltarians in Spain, together with America, the free movement of persons, vehicles and goods be- Taking? note of the statement of the representative of tween Gibraltar and the neighbouring territory; also the administering Power that provisions of the proposed Commonwealth Act would recognize the distinct cultural welcomes the fact that the two Governments initiated, at Geneva on 5 February 1985, the negotiating pro- identity of the Chamorro people, the indigenous in- cess provided for in the Brussels statement and fore- habitants of Guam, seen in the consensus approved by the Assembly on Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical 14 December 1973; notes that the Ministers for Foreign location and economic conditions of the Territory and Affairs met at Madrid on 5 and 6 December 1985 as bearing in mind the necessity of diversifying and part of this process; and urges both Governments to strengthening further its economy as a matter of priority continue this process with the object of reaching a lasting in order to promote economic stability, solution to the problem of Gibraltar in the light of the Recalling the dispatch in 1979 of a United Nations relevant resolutions of the Assembly and in the spirit visiting mission to the Territory, of the Charter of the United Nations.” Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the General Assembly decision 41/407 small Territories, and considering that the possibility of Adopted without vote sending a further visiting mission to Guam at an ap- propriate time should be kept under review, particularly Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection. 22 October meeting 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (AIC.4/41/L.4); agenda item 19. in the light of the plebiscite planned for 1987, referred Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. to in paragraph 5 below, 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implemen- Guam tation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating to Guam; 2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of On 31 October, on the recommendation of the Guam to self-determination and independence in con- Fourth Committee, the General Assembly adopted formity with the Declaration on the Granting of Inde- without vote resolution 41/25. pendence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, contained in General Assembly resolution 1514(XV); Question of Guam 3. Reiterates the view that such factors as territorial The General Assembly, size, geographical location, size of population and Having considered the question of Guam, limited natural resources should in no way delay the Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of speedy exercise by the people of the Territory of their the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to inalienable right to self-determination and independ- the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting ence in conformity with the Declaration, which fully ap- of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, plies to Guam; Other colonial Territories 973

4. Reaffirms the importance of fostering an awareness the possible dispatch of a further visiting mission to among the people of Guam of the possibilities open to Guam at an appropriate time and in consultation with them with regard to their right to self-determination and the administering Power, and to report thereon to the calls upon the United States of America, as the ad- General Assembly at its forty-second session. ministering Power, in co-operation with the territorial General Assembly resolution 41/25 Government, to expedite the process of decolonization 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote strictly in accordance with the expressed wishes of the people of the Territory; Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. 5. Takes note of the statement by the representative Meeting numbers. GA 41sl session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. of the administering Power that should the Guamanian voters approve it in a plebiscite planned for 1987, the Montserrat draft text of a Commonwealth Act proposed by the Guam Commission on Self-Determination will be sub- GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION mitted to the United States Congress for consideration; On 31 October, on the recommendation of the 6. Reaffirms its strong conviction that the presence of Fourth Committee, the General Assembly adopted military bases and installations in the Territory could without vote resolution 41/21. constitute a major obstacle to the implementation of the Declaration and that it is the responsibility of the ad- Question of Montserrat ministering Power to ensure that the existence of such The General Assembly, bases and installations does not hinder the population Having considered the question of Montserrat, of the Territory from exercising its right to self- Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of determination and independence in conformity with the the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to purposes and principles of the Charter of the United the Implementation of the Declaration on the Grant- Nations; ing of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, 7. Urges the administering Power to continue to take Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, all necessary measures not to involve the Territory in containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- any offensive acts or interference against any other States ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and all other and to comply fully with the purposes and principles resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating of the Charter, the Declaration and the resolutions and to Montserrat, including in particular its resolution decisions of the General Assembly relating to military 40/46 of 2 December 1985, activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Ter- Conscious of the need to ensure the full and speedy im- ritories under their administration; plementation of the Declaration in respect of the Ter- 8. Reaffirms the responsibility of the administering ritory, Power, under the Charter, to promote the economic and Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical social development of Guam and, in that connection, location and economic conditions of the Territory and calls upon the administering Power to take further steps bearing in mind the necessity of diversifying and to strengthen and diversify the economy of the Territory, strengthening further its economy as a matter of priority with a view to reducing its economic dependence on the in order to promote economic stability, administering Power; Noting that during the period under review the 9. Reiterates that one obstacle to economic growth, Government of Montserrat reiterated the view that in- and particularly to agricultural development, stems from dependence was both inevitable and desirable, provided the fact that large tracts of land are held by the United it was preceded by Montserrat’s achievement of a level States federal authorities, and calls upon the administer- of economic and financial viability sufficient to sustain ing Power, in co-operation with the territorial Govern- it as an independent State, and reaffirmed its intention ment, to expedite the transfer of land to the people of to enlist such assistance from the Government of the the Territory; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ire- 10. Calls upon the administering Power to support land and from other sources as would enable it to achieve measures by the territorial Government aimed at remov- such viability and not to seek independence without the ing constraints to growth in the areas of agriculture and support of the majority of the people of the Territory, commercial fishing and to ensure the development of Noting with concern that during the period under re- those areas to the fullest extent; view the world recession has continued to affect the ter- 11. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation ritorial economy adversely, with the territorial Government, to continue to take ef- Noting that the territorial Government has taken a se- fective measures to safeguard and guarantee the right ries of measures with a view to upgrading the efficiency of the people of Guam to the natural resources of the of its civil service and to that end has continued to ac- Territory, including marine resources within its exclusive cord high priority to the training of cadres and that, in economic zone, and to establish and maintain control that connection, it has continued to seek financial over the future development of those resources and re- assistance from international funding agencies to quests the administering Power to take the necessary steps facilitate both long-term and short-term training, to protect the property rights of the people of the Territory; Welcoming the continued participation of the Territory 12. Reaffirms the importance of continued efforts by in the Caribbean Group for Co-operation in Economic the territorial Government, with the support of the ad- Development, as well as in regional organizations such ministering Power, towards promoting the Chamorro as the Caribbean Community and its associated institu- language and culture; tions, including the Caribbean Development Bank, 13. Requests the Special Committee to continue the Welcoming also the contribution to the development of examination of this question at its next session, including the Territory by the United Nations Development Pro- 974 Trusteeship and decolonization gramme, the United Nations Children’s Fund and other of the Territory, including marine resources within its specialized agencies and organizations of the United Na- exclusive economic zone, and to establish and maintain tions system operating in Montserrat, control over the future development of those resources; Noting with concern that Montserrat became ineligible 9. Reiterates its call upon the administering Power, in for assistance from the United Nations Educational, Scien- co-operation with the territorial Government, to continue tific and Cultural Organization as a result of the change the assistance necessary for the employment of the local in its membership which it had shared with former eastern population in the civil service, particularly at senior levels; Caribbean Territories and noting, in that connection, 10. Calls upon the specialized agencies and other that the Territory would be eligible for readmission as organizations of the United Nations system to intensify an associate member under the sponsorship of the ad- their efforts to accelerate progress in the economic and ministering Power, the United Kingdom of Great Brit- social life of the Territory, and invites donor Governments ain and Northern Ireland, which withdrew from the and regional organizations to do the same; organization in December 1985, 11. Calls upon the administering Power, in co-operation Recalling the dispatch in 1975 and 1982 of United Na- with the Government of Montserrat, to take urgent steps tions visiting missions to the Territory, to facilitate the readmission of the Territory as an associate Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the and Cultural Organization; small Territories and considering that the possibility of 12. Requests the Special Committee to continue the sending a further visiting mission to Montserrat at an examination of this question at its next session, including appropriate time should be kept under review, the possible dispatch of a further visiting mission to Mont- 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special serrat at an appropriate time and in consultation with Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implemen- the administering Power, and to report thereon to the tation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- General Assembly at its forty-second session. ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating to Mont- serrat; General Assembly resolution 41/21 2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of Mont- 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote serrat to self-determination and independence in con- Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting formity with the Declaration on the Granting of Inde- 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. pendence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, contained Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. in General Assembly resolution 1514(XV); 3. Reiterates the view that such factors as territorial size, Pitcairn geographical location, size of population and limited nat- ural resources should in no way delay the speedy exer- GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION cise by the people of the Territory of their inalienable Acting on the recommendation of the Fourth right to self-determination and independence in conformity Committee, the General Assembly in October with the Declaration, which fully applies to Montserrat; adopted without vote decision 41/406. 4. Reiterates that it is the responsibility of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as the Question of Pitcairn administering Power, to create such conditions in Mont- At its 52nd plenary meeting, on 31 October 1986, the serrat as will enable the people of the Territory to exer- General Assembly, on the recommendation of the Fourth cise freely and without interference their inalienable right Committee, adopted the following text as representing to self-determination and independence in accordance the consensus of the members of the Assembly: with resolution 1514(XV) and all other relevant resolu- “The General Assembly, having examined the rele- tions of the General Assembly; vant chapter of the report of the Special Committee 5. Reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of Mont- on the Situation with regard to the Implementation serrat themselves to determine their future political status of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Char- to Colonial Countries and Peoples, reaffirms the in- ter of the United Nations and the Declaration, and alienable right of the people of Pitcairn to self- reiterates its call upon the administering Power to launch determination in conformity with the Declaration on programmes, in co-operation with the territorial Govern- the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries ment, to foster an awareness among the people of Mont- and Peoples. The Assembly further reaffirms the respon- serrat of the possibilities available to them in the exer- sibility of the administering Power to promote the cise of their right to self-determination and independence; economic and social development of the Territory. The 6. Reaffirms the responsibility of the administering Assembly urges the administering Power to continue Power to promote the economic and social development to respect the very individual life-style that the peo- of Montserrat; ple of the Territory have chosen and to preserve, pro- 7. Calls upon the administering Power, in co-operation mote and protect it. The Assembly requests the Special with the territorial Government, to continue to strengthen Committee to continue to examine the question at its the economy of the Territory and to increase its assistance next session and to report thereon to the Assembly at to programmes of diversification in order to promote its fort.y-second session.” balanced growth and the economic and financial viability of the Territory; General Assembly decision 41/406 8. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation with Adopted without vote the Government of Montserrat, to take effective measures Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting to safeguard, guarantee and ensure the rights of the people 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. of the Territory to own and dispose of the natural resources Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; Plenary 52. Other colonial Territories 975

St. Helena tswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso Burma, Burundi, Byelorus- sian SSR, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Co- GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION lombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa, Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cube, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, In October, on the recommendation of the Fourth Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Committee, the General Assembly adopted by Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala. Guinea, Guinea-Bissau. Guyana, Haiti, Honduras Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica. Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, recorded vote decision 41/408. Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Question of St. Helena Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, At its 52nd plenary meeting, on 31 October 1986, the Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sao Tome and Prin- General Assembly, on the recommendation of the Fourth cipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Committee, having examined the relevant chapters of Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian SSR, USSR, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugo- regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the slavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Against: United Kingdom, United States, Peoples, reaffirmed the inalienable right of the people Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, of St. Helena to self-determination and independence Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lux, embourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Saint Christopher and in conformity with the Declaration on the Granting of Nevis, Samoa, Spain, Swaziland, a Sweden, Turkey. a Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, con- Later advised the Secretariat it had intended to vote in favour. tained in Assembly resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960. The Assembly urged the administering Power, in In the Fourth Committee, the United Kingdom consultation with the Legislative Council and other requested a separate vote on the sixth sentence of representatives of the people of St. Helena, to continue the draft decision. The sentence, which referred to to take all necessary steps to ensure the speedy implemen- tation of the Declaration in respect of this Territory and the presence of military facilities on Ascension Island, in that connection reaffirmed the importance of promoting was retained by a recorded vote of 75 to 30, with an awareness among the people of St. Helena of the 21 abstentions. The United Kingdom noted that possibilities open to them in the exercise of their right Ascension Island was uninhabited and 700 miles to self-determination. The Assembly expressed the view distant from St. Helena and any links between the that the administering Power should continue to imple- two were administrative. The so-called military ment infrastructure and community development proj- facilities were only staging facilities for transport ects aimed at improving the general welfare of the com- aircraft and it was difficult to see why they should munity, including the critical unemployment situation, be considered a threat to anyone. Further, the United and to encourage local initiative and enterprise, particularly in the areas of fisheries development, forestry, handicrafts Kingdom objected to a new idea introduced in the and agriculture. The Assembly, in view of the serious fourth sentence, and stated that St. Helena was developments in South Africa, noted with concern the dependent on South Africa because of geographical trade and transportation dependency of the Territory on proximity and not because of political choice. South Africa. The Assembly reaffirmed that continued development assistance from the administering Power, Tokelau together with any assistance that the international com- munity might be able to provide, constituted an impor- Report of the visiting mission. A visiting mis- tant means of developing and diversifying the economy sion, composed of three members of the Commit- of the Territory and of enhancing the capacity of its people tee on colonial countries, visited Tokelau in July to realize fully the goals set forth in the relevant provi- 1986, in response to a 1985 invitation by New sions of the Charter of the United Nations and the Declara- Zealand, the administering Power, and by the people tion on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Coun- of the Territory.(3) The report of the mission(4) pro- tries and Peoples. The Assembly noted with deep concern vided information on constitutional and political the continued presence of military facilities on the dependency of Ascension Island and, in that regard, developments as well as the economic, social and recalled all the relevant United Nations resolutions and educational conditions in the Territory-consisting decisions concerning military bases and installations in of Nukunonu, Fakaofo and Atafu atolls-outlined colonial and Non-Self-Governing Territories. The the mission’s activities and gave its conclusions and Assembly considered that the possibility of dispatching recommendations. Annexes to the report included a United Nations visiting mission to St. Helena at an requests presented to the mission by the Taupulega appropriate time should be kept under review, and re- (Council of Elders) and aumaga (village work-force) quested the Special Committee to continue to examine of Fakaofo for assistance from New Zealand or the the question of St. Helena at its next session, and to re- United Nations, and a statement by the Fakaofo port thereon to the Assembly at its forty-second session. Taupulega on political developments. General Assembly decision 41/408 The mission reported that the people of Tokelau 1252-26 (recorded vote) had unequivocally expressed their desire to main- Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) by recorded vote (108-2-26), 22 October tain their current status and relationship with New (meeting 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. Zealand, which had initiated discussions on alter- Recorded vote in Assembly as follows: natives available to Tokelau in exercising its right In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, to self-determination. The mission recommended Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bo- that the administering Power continue to encourage 976 Trusteeship, and decolonization

Tokelau to pursue its political development towards Power for the courtesies, co-operation and assistance ex- assuming greater political autonomy while pre- tended to the Visiting Mission; serving its cultural heritage. Among the areas of 5. Notes that the people of Tokelau with whom the importance to Tokelau’s development, the mission Visiting Mission consulted expressed their desire to maintain at this stage their present status and relation- listed transport, communications and education; ship with the administering Power; noting the lack of economic resources as well as 6. Notes the continuing development of the General the scarcity of land in the Territory and erosion Fono (Council) of Tokelau as the Territory’s highest caused by the sea, the mission recommended political body, and considers that the process of devolu- remedial measures. tion of authoritv to Tokelau’s political and administrative The Committee on colonial countries consid- institutions should continue; ered the question of Tokelau at four meeting s be- 7. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation tween 12 August and 10 September 1986.(1) with the Tokelau public service, to expand and inten- sify its programme of political education in the Territory so as to improve the awareness of the people of the Ter- GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION ritory of the options available to them in the exercise Acting on the recommendation of the Fourth of their right to self-determination and independence, Committee, the General Assembly adopted in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations resolution 41/26 on 31 October without vote. and the Declaration; 8. Commends the people of Tokelau for their deter- Question of Tokelau mination to manage their economic and political devel- The General Assembly, opment in such a way as to ensure that it does not com- Having considered the question of Tokelau, promise or undermine Tokelau’s distinct and valued Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of cultural heritage, and urges the administering Power and the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to international agencies to respect fully the wishes of the the Implementation of the Declaration on the Grant- people of Tokelau in this regard; ing of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, 9. Welcomes the assurance of the administering Power Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960. that legislation affecting Tokelau will only be passed after containing; the Declaration on the’Granting of Independ: consultation with the General Fono (Council) of Tokelau, ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and commends the Fono for the role it is playing in the Having examined the report of the United Nations development of a new legal code to give due recogni- Visiting Mission to Tokelau dispatched in July 1986 at tion to Tokelauan customs and culture; the invitation of the Government of New Zealand and 10. Welcomes also the efforts being made to develop of the General Fono (Council) of Tokelau, an education system specifically geared to the needs of Having heard the statement of the Chairman of the Tokelau and urges that these efforts be intensified: Visiting Mission, 11. Requests the administering Power, taking into ac- Having heard the statement of the representative of New count the Visiting Mission’s observations, conclusions Zealand, the administering Power, and recommendations, to continue to enlist the Noting with satisfaction the continuing exemplary co- assistance of the specialized agencies and other organiza- operation of the administering Power with regard to the tions of the United Nations system, as well as other work of the Special Committee relating to Tokelau and regional and international bodies, in the development its readiness to permit access by United Nations visiting and strengthening of the economy of the Territory; missions thereto, 12. Welcomes the participation of Tokelau in South Aware of the special problems facing Tokelau by vir- Pacific regional organizations and institutions and re- tue of its isolation. small size. limited resources and lack quests the administering Power to facilitate the participa- of infrastructure, tion of the Territory as an associate member of various Reiterating the view that such factors as territorial size, organizations of the United Nations system, as well as geographical location, size of population and limited nat- other regional and international bodies; ural resources should in no way delay the implementa- 13. Expresses the view that measures to promote the tion of the Declaration, which fully applies to Tokelau, economic and social development of Tokelau are an 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special essential element in the process of self-determination Committee on the Situation with regard to the Im- and, in that connection, calls upon the administering plementation of the Declaration on the Granting of In- Power, in close co-operation with the General Fono dependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating (Council), to continue to intensify and diversify its pro- to Tokelau; grammes of development assistance to Tokelau; 2. Approves the report of the United Nations Visiting 14. Notes the assistance extended to Tokelau by the Mission to Tokelau in July 1986, and endorses the obser- United Nations Development Programme. the United vations, conclusions and recommendations contained Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organiza- therein; tion and other regional and international institutions 3. Reafirms the inalienable right of the people of and urges them to continue to increase such assistance Tokelau Tokelau to self-determination and dependence in ac- to the Territory in close consultation with the Tokelau cordance with the Declaration on the Granting of In- Administration; dependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, con- 15. Requests the Special Committee to continue the tained in General Assembly resolution 1514(XV); examination of this question at its next session, including 4. Expresses its deep appreciation to the elders, people the possible dispatch of a further visiting mission to and public service of Tokelau and to the administering Tokelau at an appropriate time and in consultation with Other colonial Territories 977 the administering Power, and to report thereon to the right to self-determination and independence in conformity General Assembly at its forty-second session. with the Declaration, which fully applies to the Turks General Assembly resolution 41/26 and Caicos Islands; 4. Reiterates that it is the obligation of the United 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as the Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting administering Power, to create such conditions in the Turks 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. and Caicos Islands as will enable the people of the Ter- ritory to exercise freely and without interference their Turks and Caicos Islands inalienable right to self-determination and independence in accordance with resolution 1514(XV) and other rele- GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION vant resolutions of the General Assembly; On 31 October, on the recommendation of the 5. Reaffirms that it is the responsibility of the ad- Fourth Committee, the General Assembly adopted ministering Power under the Charter of the United Na- without vote resolution 41/22. tions to develop its dependent Territories economically and socially and urges the administering Power, in con- Question of the Turks and Caicos Islands sultation with the Government of the Turks and Caicos The General Assembly, Islands, to take the necessary measures to promote the Having considered the question of the Turks and Caicos economic and social development of the Territory and, Islands, in particular, to intensify and expand its programme of Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of assistance in order to accelerate the development of the the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to economic and social infrastructure of the Territory; the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting 6. Emphasizes that greater attention should be paid of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, to diversification of the economy, which will benefit the Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and, in that con- containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- nection, takes note of the progress reported by the ter- ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and all other ritorial Government regarding the development of resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating mariculture in the Territory; to the Turks and Caicos Islands, including in particular 7. Recalls that it is the responsibility of the administer- its resolution 40/47 of 2 December 1985, ing Power, in accordance with the wishes of the people, Conscious of the need to ensure the full and speedy im- to safeguard, guarantee and ensure the inalienable right plementation of the Declaration in respect of the Territory, of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands to the en- Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical joyment of their natural resources by taking effective location and economic conditions of the Turks and Caicos measures to guarantee their right to own and dispose of Islands and bearing in mind the necessity of diversify- the natural resources of the Territory, including marine ing and strengthening further its economy as a matter resources within its exclusive economic zone, and to of priority in order to promote economic stability and establish and maintain control over the future develop- develop a wider economic base for the Territory, ment of those resources; Noting that there was a general economic decline in 8. Urges the specialized agencies and other organiza- the Territory during the period under review and bear- tions of the United Nations system, as well as regional ing in mind the need to develop a wider economic base institutions such as the Caribbean Development Bank, for the Territory, to continue to pay special attention to the development Welcoming the continuing contribution of the United needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands; Nations Development Programme to the development 9. Urges the administering Power, in consultation with of the Territory, the territorial Government, to continue to provide the Recalling the dispatch in 1980 of two United Nations assistance necessary for the training of qualified local per- visiting missions to the Territory, sonnel in the skills essential to the development of various Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide sectors of the economy and the society of the Territory; an effective means of ascertaining the situation in the 10. Requests the Special Committee to continue the small Territories and considering that the possibility of examination of this question at its next session, including sending a further visiting mission to the Turks and Caicos the possible dispatch of a further visiting mission to the Islands at an appropriate time should be kept under review, Turks and Caicos Islands at an appropriate time and in 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special consultation with the administering Power, and to re- Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implemen- port thereon to the General Assembly at its forty-second tation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- session. ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating to the General Assembly resolution 41/22 Turks and Caicos Islands; 2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of the 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote Turks and Caicos Islands to self-determination and in- Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting dependence in conformity with the Declaration on the (18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, contained in General Assembly resolution United States Virgin Islands 1514(XV); 3. Reiterates the view that such factors as territorial size, On 4 November 1986, general elections were held geographical location, size of population and limited nat- in the United States Virgin Islands for Governor ural resources should in no way delay the speedy exer- and Lieutenant-Governor, the 15 seats in the cise by the people of the Territory of their inalienable Legislature, also known as the Senate, and the Ter- 978 Trusteeship and decolonization

ritory’s delegate to the United States House of delegation of the administering Power, in annual Representatives. The candidates for Governor and meetings of the Caribbean Group for Co-operation in Lieutenant-Governor of the Democratic Party of Economic Development since 1982, the Virgin Islands won a majority in a run-off elec- Noting the continued policy of the administering Power tion on 16 November. Following vote recounts and that representatives of the Territory should participate in forums where the Territory was the subject of party and other realignments, a coalition was discussion, formed with the Democratic Party as the majority Aware of the special circumstances of the geographical party in the Senate. The incumbent delegate to location and economic conditions of the Territory and the United States Congress was unopposed. bearing in mind the necessity of diversifying and strengthening further its economy as a matter of priority GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION in order to promote economic stability, Recalling the dispatch in 1977 of a United Nations On 31 October, on the recommendation of the visiting mission to the Territory, Fourth Committee, the General Assembly adopted Mindful that United Nations visiting missions provide resolution 41/24 without vote. an effective means of assessing the situation in the small Territories, and considering that the possibility of send- Question of the United States Virgin Islands ing a further visiting mission to the United States Virgin The General Assembly, Islands at an appropriate time should be kept under re- Having considered the question of the United States view, particularly in the light of the referendum referred Virgin Islands, to in paragraph 5 below and the preparations for that Having examined the relevant chapters of the report of event, the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special the Implementation of the Declaration on the Grant- Committee on the Situation with regard to the Im- ing of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, plementation of the Declaration on the Granting of In- Recalling its resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960, dependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independ- to the United States Virgin Islands; ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and all other 2. Reaffirms the inalienable right of the people of the resolutions and decisions of the United Nations relating United States Virgin Islands to self-determination and to the United States Virgin Islands, including in par- independence in conformity with the Declaration on the ticular its resolution 40/49 of 2 December 1985, Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Noting with appreciation the continued active participa- Peoples? contained in General Assembly resolution tion of the United States of America, as the administer- 1514(XV); ing Power, and of the representative of the territorial 3. Reiterates the view that such factors as territorial Government in the work of the Special Committee in size, geographical location, size of population and regard to the United States Virgin Islands, thereby en- limited natural resources should in no way delay the abling it to conduct a more informed and meaningful speedy exercise by the people of the Territory of their examination of the situation in the Territory, with a view inalienable right to self-determination and independ- to accelerating the process of decolonization for the pur- ence in conformity with the Declaration, which fully ap- pose of the full implementation of the Declaration, plies to the United States Virgin Islands; Taking note of the statement of the representative of 4. Reiterates that it is the responsibility of the United the administering Power that the Territory of the United States of America, as the administering Power, to create States Virgin Islands enjoys a large measure of self- such conditions in the United States Virgin Islands as government through its elected representatives, namely, will enable the people of the Territory to exercise freely the Governor, members of the Legislature and the Ter- and without interference their inalienable right to self- ritory’s delegate to the United States House of Represen- determination and independence in conformity with tatives, and that a delegate-elected for a two-year resolution 1514(XV) and all other relevant resolutions period-participates in the House of Representatives of the General Assembly; without the right to vote although he participates and 5. Takes note of the statement of the administering votes in the Committees, Power that the Government of the United States Virgin Noting that general elections are to be held in Islands had decided that, before a referendum on the November 1986 in the Territory, issue was called, more time was necessary for the pur- Noting that, during the period under review, despite pose of allowing a further opportunity to study the im- some set-backs to its industrialization programme, the plications of the various future status options and that, economy of the Territory improved, and that, in par- in that connection, it stood ready to respond to the ticular, tourism, construction and private investment in- wishes of the people of the Territory concerning their creased and the level of unemployment decreased, and future status; taking note of the infrastructural developments taking 6. Reaffirms that it is ultimately for the people of the place in the Territory, United States Virgin Islands themselves to determine Welcoming the continued participation of the United their future political status in accordance with the rele- States Virgin Islands, as an associate member, in the vant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, work of the Economic Commission for Latin America resolution 1514(XV) and other relevant resolutions of and the Caribbean and its subsidiary bodies, including the General Assembly and, in that connection, calls the Caribbean Development and Co-operation Com- upon the administering Power, in co-operation with the mittee, and noting the continued participation of a territorial Government, to facilitate programmes in the representative of the Territory, as a member of the Territory to foster an awareness among the people of Other colonial Territories 979 the possibilities open to them in the exercise of their right bodies and organizations, particularly in their central to self-determination; organs, and in other organizations of the United Na- 7. Reaffirms the responsibility of the administering tions system; Power under the Charter to promote the economic and 12. Urges the administering Power to continue to take social development of the United States Virgin Islands; all necessary measures to comply fully with the purposes 8. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation and principles of the Charter, the Declaration and the with the territorial Government, to strengthen the relevant resolutions and decisions of the General economy of the Territory by, inter alia, taking additional Assembly relating to military activities and ar- measures of diversification and continuing to develop rangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their the Territory’s infrastructure with a view to reducing administration; the heavy economic dependence of the Territory on the 13. Requests the Special Committee to continue the administering Power; examination of this question at its next session, including 9. Urges the administering Power, in co-operation the possible dispatch of a further visiting mission to the with the Government of the United States Virgin United States Virgin Islands at an appropriate time and Islands, to safeguard the inalienable right of the people in consultation with the administering Power, and to re- of the Territory to the enjoyment of their natural port thereon to the General Assembly at its forty-second resources by taking effective measures to guarantee their session. right to own and dispose of those resources and to establish and maintain control of their future devel- General Assembly resolution 41/24 opment; 31 October 1986 Meeting 52 Adopted without vote 10. Urges the administering Power to seek a status Approved by Fourth Committee (A/41/760) without objection, 22 October (meeting in the Caribbean Group for Co-operation in Economic 18); draft by Committee on colonial countries (A/41/23); agenda item 19. Development for the territorial Government, similar to Meeting numbers. GA 41st session: 4th Committee 9-18; plenary 52. that of other dependent Territories within the Group; 11. Reiterates its call upon the administering Power to REFERENCES facilitate further the participation of the United States (1)A/41/23. (2)YUN 1960, p. 49, GA res. 1514(XV), 14 Virgin Islands in various regional and intergovernmental Dec. 1960. (3)YUN 1985, p. 1150. (4)A/AC.109/877 & Add.1.