STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR (Hansard, 19 December 1956)

§ 21. Mr. Collins
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the dissolution of the International Zone of Tangier, he will take steps to negotiate agreed international control of the Straits of Gibraltar.

§ 51. Mr. Usborne
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what treaty arrangements affecting the United Kingdom govern the Straits of Gibraltar since the dissolution of the international zone of Tangier; and whether he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Dodds-Parker
No, Sir.
In accordance with recognised principles of international law the Straits of Gibraltar are open to unrestricted navigation by the ships of the world. There are not treaty arrangements governing the Straits, nor do I think any are necessary.

§ Mr. Collins
Is the Minister aware that the Suez Canal was open to the ships of the world under international agreement? In view of the fact that the new rulers of Morocco may take a different view from the previous controlling Powers about the demilitarisation of the southern coast of the Straits, does he not think that it would be wise now to submit to the United Nations proposals for international control?

§ Mr. Dodds-Parker
No, Sir, I do not think there is any need for that. The Straits are not comparable with the Suez Canal, which is not the high seas. The narrowest point of the Straits of Gibraltar is 10 miles wide and in our view thus includes some four miles of the high seas.

§ Mr. Usborne
In view of what has happened in recent weeks, would the Government not agree that it might be a good idea if at least the fortress of Gibraltar were handed over to the United Nations, so that, along with the Sinai Peninsula, it could provide a permanent base for the United Nations police force?

§ Mr. Dodds-Parker
I cannot for a moment accept that that would appeal either to Her Majesty's present Ministers or to the people of Gibraltar.

Mr. C. Jeger
Will the Minister recall that a few weeks ago his right hon. Friend 1263 promised that a White Paper would be issued on the present position of Tangier? When may we expect that?

§ Mr. Dodds-Parker
I will look into that point, and let the hon. Member know.