§ 25. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the Icelandic Government regarding their attitude towards the United States Government's proposal for a transit military air base at Keflavik.
Mr. McNeilHis Majesty's Minister in Iceland was instructed to let it be known to the Icelandic authorities that my right hon. Friend hoped that they would not withhold unreasonably from the United States Government facilities necessary for communication with the United States forces occupying Germany.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs it not the case that these representations were made at the time when the matter was under discussion in the Icelandic Parliament, and does not this constitute an example of unwarranted interference on behalf of a third party in the internal affairs of a sovereign State?
Mr. McNeilI reject most fiercely any suggestion that we were doing anything derogatory to Icelandic sovereignty. I repeat that our relations with that Government, I am happy to say, are most friendly, and I would not accept the word "representations" used by my hon. Friend.