EXCHANGE OF NOTES ON THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE NEW HEBRIDES BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE

(23 October 1979)

I have the honour to refer to the Constitutional Conference held in the New Hebrides on 18 and 19 September 1979 attended by representatives of our two Governments, the New Hebrides, at which it was decided that the New Hebrides should become a Sovereign and Independent State in 1980 under the Constitution set out in the annex to this note.  It is the understanding of my government that in order to give effect to this decision, subject to the enactment of the necessary legislation, an agreement has been reached between our two Governments in the following terms:

(a)  With effect from a date in 1980 to be determined (hereinafter referred to as ‘Independence Day’) the New Hebrides shall be a Sovereign and Independent State;

(b) The Constitution set out in the annex to this note shall be the Constitution of the Sovereign and Independent State of the New Hebrides which shall come into effect on Independence Day, except that Articles 85, 91 and 94 shall come into effect forthwith;

(c) With effect from Independence Day, the Protocol respecting the New Hebrides signed at London on 6 August 1914 together with all other agreements between the Governments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of France modifying or supplementing that Protocol shall terminate.

If the foregoing also represents the understanding of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as to the terms of the agreement that our two governments have reached, I have the honour to propose that this note and your reply to that effect shall constitute an agreement between our two Governments which shall enter into force on the date of your reply.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your excellency your assurance of my highest consideration.