§ 26. Mr. Luardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will resume discussions with the Argentine Government on the question of the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsThere have already been further exchanges of views with the Argentine authorities, and I expect these to continue.
§ Mr. LuardGiven the fact that it has always been made clear that there could be no transfer of sovereignty against the wishes of the inhabitants, is not the re- 22 sumption of these discussions very much in the interests not only of this country in order to improve our relations with Latin America generally, but also in the interests of the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands?
§ Mr. RobertsMy hon. Friend has put very cogently and succinctly what my right hon. Friend has put very clearly in the House.
§ Mr. BraineSince the wishes of the Falkland Islanders to remain British are well known and accepted by everyone, can the Minister give the House an assurance that the question of sovereignty will not be discussed in any resumption of talks?
§ Mr. RobertsIt would be impossible to avoid having the question of sovereignty raised by the Argentinians—this is their point of dispute—but my right hon. Friend made it very clear in his statement to the House that if that question is raised, our basic and firm position is that no transfer is possible against the wishes of the islanders.