HC Deb 18 November 1959 vol 613 cc1140-1
2. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will subscribe to the proposed twelve-nation treaty guaranteeing the Antarctic against political and military intervention, and providing for the exchange of scientific information.

19. Sir A. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent Antarctic treaty to ensure the peace of the area; and what steps he has taken to ensure that British sovereignty in the Falkland Islands and the Falkland Island Dependencies is in no way compromised.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Negotiations for an Antarctic treaty are still going on and a statement at this stage would be premature.

Mr. Brockway

May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he is aware that many of us hope that an Antarctic neutralisation area will be established and that it will be a precedent for danger areas in the world as well as distant areas?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that the position of Her Majesty's Government is well known. We wish to have a treaty based on freedom and co-operation in scientific activity and the use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only.

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