§ 2. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements have been made to represent the external affairs of the island of Anguilla at international organisations.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. William Whitlock)Her Majesty's Government are responsible for the external affairs of the Associated State of St. Kitts/ Nevis/Anguilla, and this responsibility includes the island of Anguilla.
§ Mr. MartenDoes not the Minister agree that this island declared its independence over a year ago and has worked quite satisfactorily since then? Would the Government now recognise this fact and begin to open negotiations for constitutional talks to recognise the independence of Anguilla?
§ Mr. WhitlockAnguilla is still a part of the Associated State of St. Kitts/ Nevis/Anguilla. As the hon. Member knows, an interim settlement of the dispute with the Associated State was reached some time ago designed to bring about friendly relations so that Anguilla may play its part within that Associated State.
§ Mr. BraineIn this context, will the Government have another look at the whole question of Associated States in regard to St. Kitts? Is it not embarrassing for Britain to be responsible for a situation where the judiciary of St. Kitts has condemned the regime there for its attitude over Anguilla? Are we not going to stand by the people of Anguilla?
§ Mr. WhitlockOf course we shall stand by the people of Anguilla so far as it is within our constitutional position. The general picture of the settlement of the Associated States is an entirely different matter.