HC Deb 19 July 1937 vol 326 cc1763-4
9. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to take any action in respect of the statement by the officer commanding the United States tender "Avocet" that the United States Government does not recognise the island of Canton as a British possession?

Mr. Eden

On my instructions His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington informed the United States Government on 16th July that the attention of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom had been drawn to the recent visit to Canton Island in the Pacific of the United States mine-sweeper "Avocet." Sir Ronald Lindsay a t the same time communicated to the United States Government for their information a copy of the Order in Council of 18th March, 1937, by which Canton Island and the other islands in the Phoenix group were incorporated in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony.

Mr. Henderson

Has any reply been received from the United States?

Mr. Eden

I do not think that any communication was asked for.

Mr. Henderson

Are no steps being taken to avoid the recurrence of an unpleasant incident?

Mr. Eden

I would deprecate any suggestion that there was any kind of unpleasant incident. There was not.