Independence For Fiji

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32222, 14 February 1970, Page 14

Independence For Fiji

(N.Z.P. A. -Reuter— Copyright) LONDON, February 10. Britain is ready to grant Independence to its South Pacific colony of Fiji, Parliament was told today. A conference to draw up an independence constitution is due to be held in London next April.

Lord Shepherd, Foreign and Commonwealth Office minister who recently visited Fiji, told the House of Lords that the two main political parties there had agreed that Fiji should proceed to Dominion status—a fully sovereign and independent State within the Commonwealth with Queen Elizabeth as its head. He said that there was also a wide area of agreement between the parties—representing mainly the indigenous Fijians and the majority Indian community-r-on other aspects of a new constitution. Lord Shepherd said that subject to endorsement by the Fijian Legislative Council of the proposals already agreed, the British Government would convene a constitutional conference in

London in April to make final arrangements for independence. He said in answer to questions that the special position enjoyed by the native Fijians would continue as at present, i The two parties had agreed i that if there was a disagreel ment at the pending conference on the composition of

the Legislature and its election methods the British Government’s view would prevail. The defence of the islands and their half-million population would be discussed at the London talks.