BRITISH TERRITORIES, SOUTH AMERICA (FOREIGN CLAIMS)

HC Deb 14 April 1948 vol 449 c956

19. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any further statement to make on the claims by Argentina and Chile to British Falkland Island Dependencies and by Guatemala to British Honduras.

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir.

Mr. Gammans

Has the right hon. Gentleman made it perfectly clear to the Governments of the South American Republics that we do not regard the title to these territories as a matter for discussion?

Mr. Bevin

I have made it quite clear that if the titles are challenged, I am willing to go to the International Court, and that position still stands.

Mr. Blackburn

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether some Argentinians and Chileans are still trespassing in that territory?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir, I think they are still there.

Mr. Quintin Hogg

Are we to take it that these unilateral acts of trespass have gone completely unremedied so far as His Majesty's Government are concerned?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir.

Mr. Gallacher

America will push you, and no mistake.