HC Deb 16 November 1933 vol 281 cc1119-20
110. Mr. RICHARD LAW

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can define the limit of territorial waters off the Norwegian coast?

Mr. EDEN

In their reply to the questionnaire issued by the Preparatory Committee prior to the meeting of the Conference for the Codification of International Law in 1930, the Norwegian Government stated that the breadth of the Norwegian territorial water zone is one geographical league, measured from the coast or from the furthest island, islet or rock which is not constantly submerged. His Majesty's Government are, however, unable to accept this view as they have always maintained that the limit of territorial waters is three miles from low water mark at mean spring tide.

Mr. LAW

Am I to understand that His Majesty's Government are taking steps to impress their view upon the Norwegian Government?

Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOOD

Is it not time that this matter was referred to an international commission, so that we might have some definite international standard?

Mr. EDEN

I understand that the Norwegian Government are being pressed to express their claims more accurately.