HC Deb 13 May 1936 vol 312 cc375-6
38. Mr. DONNER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the increasing attention which is being given to the possible use of islands in the Pacific in connection with the development of air services has necessitated an investigation into the status of the British Jarvis, Baker, and Howland Islands?

39. Mr. EMMOTT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the investigation now being conducted in regard to the sovereignty and ownership of the Pacific, Jarvis, Baker, and Howland Islands will be completed; and if it is already completed, whether he can make a statement?

41. Mr. SANDYS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the investigation into the status of the Jarvis, Baker, and Howland Islands includes the question of British sovereignty?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

The investigation has not yet been completed, and I am not in a position to make any further statement on the subject.

Mr. DONNER

Arising out of that reply, can my right hon. Friend state why the development of air services should have any connection with or involve an examination of the quite separate question of the status of these islands?

Mr. THOMAS

The question of air development is always changing and is always of paramount importance and it is in that connection that we are making investigation which includes, and obviously must include, the question of sovereignty.

Mr. SANDYS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether British sovereignty is in doubt?

Mr. THOMAS

If I am asked, I say "No."

Mr. SANDYS

Can my right hon. Friend say what then has given rise to the investigation?

40. Mr. LENNOX-BOYD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the endeavour that has recently been made to settle persons of American citizenship on Christmas Island; and, if so, whether he is satisfied that such action could not give rise to claims prejudicial to British sovereignty based upon occupational ownership?

Mr. THOMAS

As I informed my hon. Friend, the Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Donner) on 21st April, His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of any American citizens having been settled on the island at the instance of the United States Government.

Mr. JAMES GRIFFITHS

Can we have the number of Japanese who are settled on the island?