11. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Chile is still in unauthorised occupation of bases in British Antarctica, namely, Discovery Bay, Greenwich Island and Pendulum Cove, Deception Island, both in the South Shetlands, and two bases in Graham Land; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NuttingSo far as my information goes, Chile remains in illegal occupation of these four bases. Formal protests were made to the Chilean Government when the bases were established. As my hon. Friend will be aware, Her Majesty's Government have also submitted applications 1010 to the International Court of Justice in respect of Chilean and Argentine encroachments in British Antarctica.
Mr. HallAs it is some eight years since Chile first entered into possession of one of these bases, can my right hon. Friend say what effective action is open to Her Majesty's Government if Chile refuses to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court?
§ Mr. NuttingWe still hope that Chile and the Argentine may change their minds and accept the jurisdiction of the International Court, but, of course, we cannot force them to do so, as they have not signed the optional clause. So far as action is concerned, I do not think that it will assist our course and our action to divulge in advance any measures which we may intend to take.