§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what consultations Her Majesty's Government have had with Her Majesty's Governments in Australia and New Zealand about the constitutional future of Nauru; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George ThomsonWhile Her Majesty's Government shares with250W Australia and New Zealand joint responsibility of the United Nations for Nauru as a Trust Territory, the administration has by agreement been conducted by Australia for nearly 50 years. The British Government have been in consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Governments about the Island, since its people expressed a wish for independence. The three Governments have informed the Nauruans that they are agreeable to meeting the request for independence on 31st January, 1968 and, in agreement with them, proposed to the United Nations that the Trusteeship Agreement should be terminated accordingly. On 22nd November the Trusteeship Council recommended this unanimously to the General Assembly.