A referendum on re-integration into
France was held in the
Swedish colony of Saint Barthélemy in late October 1877.[1] The island had been a
colonial possession of Sweden for nearly a century, but following the referendum in which only one person voted against the proposal, it was returned to France the following year.[1]
Background
The island had been part of the
French West Indies until 1784, when it was transferred to Sweden in return for trade privileges in
Gothenburg.[1] However, the island proved expensive for Sweden to maintain.[1] An agreement was made on 10 August 1877 on returning the island to French control,[2] the first article of which included the requirement of a binding referendum.[1]
Results
Choice
Votes
%
For
350
99.72
Against
1
0.28
Total
351
100.00
Aftermath
The results were announced on 31 October 1877.[1] Subsequently the
French National Assembly approved the treaty on 22 January 1878.[1] On 16 March 1878 the island became part of the jurisdiction of
Guadeloupe and would remain so
until 2003.[1]
