§ The discussions between the British Government and the Government of Brunei have now been concluded. His Highness the Sultan 188 of Brunei is remaining in Britain for a short time to fulfil some private engagements.
§ Whilst in Britain His Highness discussed a wide range of subjects with the Commonwealth Secretary. His Ministers and advisers had talks with officials of the C.R.O., the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Overseas Development and other Government Departments. The British High Commissioner in Brunei was also present at some of the discussions. In particular, they reviewed the proposals of the Brunei Government for constitutional progress in the State, as approved by the Brunei Legislative Council on 26th August, 1964. They also discussed the economic development of the State.
§ His Highness informed Mr. Bottomley that elections to the District and Legislative Councils would be held in March, 1965, and confirmed that a ministerial system of Government would be introduced immediately after the elections and that elected members of the Legislative Council would be appointed to the Executive Council and associated with the exercise of the executive and administrative responsibilities of his Government. It is the intention of Her Majesty's Government and of the Sultan and his Government that Brunei should proceed progressively towards full parliamentary democracy.
§ After the elections the Executive Council will become the "Council of Ministers" and will include Assistant Ministers appointed from the members of the Legislative Council.
§ It was agreed that detailed plans for the introduction of the Ministerial system should be completed by the end of February, 1965, and that there should be consultations between His Highness and the Commonwealth Secretary immediately after the elections, in order to consider the next steps towards constitutional advance.
§ To assist the Brunei Government to implement its plans for the economic development of the State, the Ministry of Overseas Development is taking immediate steps to recruit officers for the post of Commissioner for Development and for other posts which are at present vacant owing to the shortage of qualified and experienced Bruneis. Her Majesty's Government agreed that they would be willing to assist the Government of Brunei in filling future manpower vacancies that Brunei may not be able to fill herself. It was agreed that assistance would be given to volunteers to serve in Brunei under the scheme for Voluntary Service Overseas.