HC Deb 18 November 1965 vol 720 cc1308-9
5. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the future of Diego Garcia.

Mr. Greenwood

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 10th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson). Diego Garcia is one of the islands in the Chagos Archipelago.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Can the Minister say how the Government's discussions are going on with a view to establishing an Anglo-American base?

An Hon. Member

Very well.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

In that event, may I be assured that there will be no effect on the sovereignty of the territory?

Mr. Greenwood

The question of the defence use to which the island is to be put is a matter which should be referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. There is certainly no question of any derogation from Britain's sovereignty of these territories.

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