HC Deb 27 February 1967 vol 742 cc89-90
16. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now reconsider the policy of the British Government towards the resumption of normal diplomatic relations with Albania.

Mr. George Thomson

Her Majesty's Government regret the absence of diplomatic relations with Albania. That country has, however, paid nothing towards the compensation awarded to the United Kingdom by the International Court of Justice in the Corfu Channel case. It would be inconsistent with regard for rulings of the court for Her Majesty's Government to resume diplomatic relations in the absence of any steps by Albania towards observing the court's judgement.

Mr. Newens

Does my right hon. Friend agree that a time will eventually come when this incident will have to be either put on one side or settled? Does not he agree that we now have good relations with States from which we suffered considerably more harm some 20 years ago, and is it not time that the British Government took an initiative in this matter?

Mr. Thomson

I am sure that the time must come when this matter is settled, and the sooner the better. The easy way to settle it is for Albania to take some steps towards honouring the court's award.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Is it a good idea to cut off broadcasting by the B.B.C. to Albania? The right thing is to educate the people in order to create better relationships, is it not?

Mr. Thomson

There is a Question on the Order Paper about that almost immediately.