HC Deb 02 March 1959 vol 601 cc24-5
36. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent extension by the Government of Panama of their territorial waters limit from three to 12 miles; and what representations he has made to that power in respect of the British interests affected.

Mr. Profumo

On 18th December, 1958. Panama declared the extension of its sovereign rights in a twelve-mile zone of territorial sea along all its coasts. On 12th January, 1959, Her Majesty's Ambassador at Panama delivered a Note stating that Her Majesty's Government were not able to recognise any extension of territorial waters pending any decision that might be reached at the Conference on the Law of the Sea in 1960.

Mr. Henderson

Did the representation indicate that in the event of this limitation ever becoming effective it would cover the Panama itself?

Mr. Profumo

No, Sir, it would not.

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