HC Deb 07 November 1966 vol 735 cc962-3
23. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received from the Argentine Government to his protest relating to the intrusion into the Falkland Islands of a party of Argentine citizens, including a functionary purporting to be Governor of the Islands; whether he has received an apology and an undertaking to punish those concerned; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. White

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the Written Answers on this subject given by the Minister of State on 31st October [Vol. 735, c. 13] and by the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies on 1st November [Vol. 735, c. 59].

The Argentine Government immediately expressed their regret, and those responsible for the incident are now in custody in the Argentine.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I thank the hon. Lady for that reply, but can she, as a distinguished defender of the rights of colonial people, at least give an assurance that she does not propose to hand over the destiny of these people to the Hague Court?

Mrs. White

There is no such suggestion at present, and we are hoping to continue discussions with the Argentine on the subject very shortly.