§ 18. Mr. Royleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the United States Navy is at present actively engaged in constructing a missile tracking station on the suggested site for the West Indies capital at Chaguaramas.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI understand that the United States Government are building a missile tracking station there, but they have given an assurance that the work now in progress will not prejudice the findings of the Joint Commission on the capital site.
§ Mr. RoyleWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that activities of this kind have not been helpful in the establishment of the capital of the Federation of the West Indies? Could he also tell me whether the establishment of Federation will make any difference in the leases of land to the United States all over the West Indies, leases which were made in exchange for American destroyers during the war?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe latter part of the supplementary is a much wider question. In regard to the first part, the arrangements were already well in train, and it would have been exceedingly difficult for the United States Government to have withdrawn from their work. They have given the assurance which I have mentioned, and they also tell me that the site is on a high ridge in a remote and undeveloped part of the leased base, in an area which would probably not be suitable for any buildings in connection with the capital.