Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if His Majesty's Government recognised the Monroe doctrine as applying only to the American Continent, or if it is admitted that it includes also the islands in the Archipelago?
§ Sir E. GREYIt is difficult to answer this question without knowing what the hon. Member believes the Monroe doctrine to mean and what he means by the Archipelago. The Monroe doctrine is an expression of the policy of the United States and as such it is for them to say exactly what it covers. As, however, His Majesty's Government have no intention of making new acquisitions of territory either on the American continents or islands in their neighbourhood, no conflict of policy on this point can arise between His Majesty's Government and that of the United States.
§ Mr. KINGDoes the right hon. Gentle-adhere to his previous expressions regarding the Monroe doctrine and its interpretation?
§ Sir E. GREYOh, certainly. I adhere to everything I have said on that point.