§ 9. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position in international law as to the extent of territorial waters; how many States recognise the definite three-mile limit; how many States do not recognise this limit; and what was the conclusion reached on this subject at the Barcelona Conference in March and April, 1921?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYThe only rule which can be said to have received general recognition as defining the extent of territorial waters is that prescribing a limit of three miles drawn from low-water mark. My hon. Friend understands, however, that a number of States have at different times claimed to exercise jurisdiction for various specific purposes over a wider limit. No conclusion was reached on this subject at the Barcelona Conference.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn view of the very great importance of this matter to us as a maritime Power, will the Government consider the calling of an international conference finally to settle this very difficult question?
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNHas this country at any time, with any nation, recognised any limit outside the three miles limit?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYNot that I am aware of.
§ Mr. TREVELYANDid not one of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's colleagues, in answer to a question yesterday, show that in Ceylon there is a limit of 12 to 20 miles claimed by the British Government?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)That is under very special conditions, as the hon. Member will see from the answer to another question to-day.
§ Mr. TREVELYANIs there any country which claims more than a three-miles limit which does not do so for very special reasons?
§ Viscount CURZONHave any foreign subjects been seized by the British Government for infringing this rule?