§ 7. Sir John Mellorasked the Postmaster-General upon what date he registered a protest with the Director of the International Bureau of the Universal 448 Postal Union against the surcharging by the Argentine Government of correspondence bearing stamps of the Falkland Islands; what reply was received and when; and what action he proposes to take in view of the continuance by the Argentine Government of this breach of the Universal Postal Convention.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe protest was registered with the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union on 4th November, 1948, and acknowledged on 11th November, 1948. I propose, for the present, to take no further action in this matter.
§ Sir J. MellorWhy should the Postmaster-General take this lying down? At least until he obtains satisfaction, will the right hon Gentleman refuse to accept as prepayment of postage, stamps designed to promote Argentine pretensions to sovereignty?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsNo, Sir, because that would be contrary to the terms of the Universal Postal Convention under which postmasters-general are precluded from entering this diplomatic field.
§ Sir J. MellorAs that is the precise breach being committed by the Argentine, surely the right hon. Gentleman should retaliate in this respect?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsWe are prohibited by the Convention from retaliation. We have taken a further step with the Universal Postal Union, and that matter is now under discussion.