§ 46. Mr. Fitzroy Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of his failure to get a settlement through the International Court, he will say what further steps he proposes to take in order to secure the withdrawal from British territory of the Argentine personnel at present stationed in Deception Island.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Davies)A review of British Antarctic policy in general is shortly to be undertaken and it would be premature to make a statement at the present time.
§ Mr. MacleanDoes that mean that the Government are prepared to allow British territory to remain occupied indefinitely by a foreign Power without taking effective action to prevent it?
§ Mr. DaviesNo, Sir. It means that we regard this as a political and jurisdictional dispute, which we have already suggested should be referred to the International Court, and that we very much regret that Argentina, who has not signed the optional clause, has so far not seen her way to accept this suggestion.
§ Mr. MacleanIs this not British territory, and do not the Government consider it so?
§ Mr. DaviesYes, Sir, we consider that it is British territory.
§ Commander NobleHow long has this survey of our policy been going on? The problem has been in existence for quite a long time.
§ Mr. DaviesYes, but this further review is to take place now, and I hope that it will be possible to make a statement later on the results of the review.
§ Mr. BraineHow long has this party been on British territory?
§ Mr. DaviesIt first came to our notice in 1947.