HC Deb 04 April 1951 vol 486 cc187-8
17. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that His Majesty's Government do not recognise Argentine claims over any part of the Falkland Island Dependencies, and having regard to the failure of the Argentine Government to accept His Majesty's Government's offer to submit the case to the International Court of Justice, he will now make a full statement on the occupation of British territory in Antarctica by South American States.

Mr. H. Morrison

As regards the general policy of His Majesty's Government, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Undersecretary on 6th November, 1950. Since then the Chileans have established another post on British Antarctic territory in the Falkland Island Dependencies. I shall deal with this in replying to the next Question. During the last few days the Argentine Press have reported the establishment of another Argentine base also in the Falkland Island Dependencies. If this is confirmed, His Majesty's Government will protest to the Argentine Government.

Major Beamish

Is the Foreign Secretary contemplating taking any action other than sending a feeble protest every few months?

Mr. Morrison

If the hon. and gallant Member will put down a Question suggesting what military action he requires, I will consider it.

Mr. W. G. Bennett

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Argentine Government are at present building in this country the largest floating whaling factory in the world, which will be afloat shortly, and does he realise that this is possibly an opportunity of forcing our whalers out of the Antarctic altogether?

Mr. Morrison

I do not think that that is relevant to the point raised by the Question on the Order Paper.

18. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to recent official announcements in Santiago de Chile of the inauguration of a third Chilean base, in charge of the Chilean Air Force, on Paradise Island; and if he will now make a statement.

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Ambassador at Santiago has delivered a formal protest to the Chilean Government against this act of trespass on British territory in the Falkland Islands Dependencies.