§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about the constitutional future of Nauru, with particular reference to its relationship with the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
§ Mr. WhitlockMy right hon. Friend the then Commonwealth Secretary informed the hon. Gentleman on 30th January, 1968 that the Republic of Nauru would become independent on 31st January, 1968. Her Majesty's Government, therefore, no longer bear any responsibility for the constitutional future of the Republic.
The hon. Member will recall that on the attainment of independence my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister associated the whole House in a congratulatory message to the Republic together with our best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the Island and it is our desire and expectation that our friendly relationship with Nauru will continue in keeping with the terms of that message.—[Vol. 757, c. 248–9; Vol. 757, c. 223.]