Dependent Territory: A territory belonging by settlement, conquest or annexation to the British Crown or to an independent Commonwealth country.
Associated State: A state which is fully self-governing and has its own Parliament, but as a full member of the Commonwealth is responsible for its external affairs and defence. The association can be terminated at any time should an associated state opt for full independence.
Protected State: A territory which, while retaining its own sovereignty, has entered into a treaty giving the British Government certain rights and responsibilities. Its people are British protected persons.
Trust Territory: A territory (formerly a colony of a nation defeated in war) whose administration was entrusted to Britain by the United Nations Trusteeship Council.
