HC Deb 13 February 1957 vol 564 cc1272-3
63. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in virtue of what treaty or other international agreement Her Majesty's Government have warned Japan that Japanese ships should remain outside a large area of the open sea during the period 1st March to 1st August, 1957.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

There is no treaty or international agreement of the kind referred to by the right hon. Gentleman.

It is established international practice to give due warning when areas of the high seas are temporarily dangerous to shipping and aircraft owing to gunnery and bombing practice. A warning of such a danger area in existence from 1st March to 1st August, 1957, has been given in the normal way in notices to mariners and airmen. As my right hon. and learned Friend informed the House on 11th February, Notes informing foreign Governments of these warnings were sent as a matter of courtesy.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is it the view of the Minister of State that existing principles of international law justify the closure of a large area of the open sea for a period of five months, involving a loss to Japanese fishermen estimated at £1 million?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The answer to the first part is, "Yes, Sir". We do not accept the figure of possible damage that the right hon. Gentleman puts forward.

Mr. Gaitskell

Can the Minister of State say why a period as long as five months is necessary for this purpose?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No, Sir.