§ Mr. HAZLETONasked whether ex-President Castro has been refused permission to land at, or remain in, certain parts of His Majesty's dominions; if so, what part, for what reason, and on whose instigation; and whether there is any precedent for refusing such permission?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODHis Majesty's Government were informed by the Venezuelan Government that General Castro was returning to Venezuela with a view to re-establishing his power, that he would probably attempt to land at Port-of-Spain instead of going direct to La Guaira, and that his presence in Trinidad would thus constitute a standing menace to the peace of Venezuela. They therefore expressed the hope that His Majesty's Government would, as an act of friendship to Venezuela, be willing to forbid his landing in Trinidad. His Majesty's Government acceded to this request in the interests of peace, and the necessary instructions were sent to the Governor of Trinidad. His Majesty's Consul at Martinique was instructed to inform Senor Castro that he would not be allowed to land at Trinidad. The action of His Majesty's Government was not based on any particular precedent, in fact the circumstances of this particular case do not lend themselves to precedent. The action of His Majesty's Government corresponds, however, with the action taken or the views expressed by the Governments of the United States, France, and the Netherlands.
§ Mr. HAZLETONMay I ask if Trinidad is the only part of the British Dominions President Castro has been excluded from?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODYes. He actually was not prevented from landing. He was prevented from landing on French territory.