§ 15. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on his further discussions with Argentina on all outstanding matters including the Falkland Islands.
§ 28. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest negotiations over the future of the Falkland Islands.
§ 36. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if discussions are continuing with the Argentine on the future of the Falkland Islands; and what progress is being made towards an agreed position.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsFurther discussions about the Falkland Islands have taken place with the Argentine authorities, and these are continuing; but there is nothing of substance that I can add to the statements which my right hon. Friend made in the House on 11th and 12th December, 1968.—[Vol. 775, c. 424–43 and 608–14.]
§ Sir G. NabarroAs Her Majesty's Government have made it perfectly clear in the House over and over again that 1031 in no circumstances will they hand over the Falkland Islands to the Argentine, what is the purpose of these continuing discussions?
§ Mr. RobertsIt is impossible to exclude from these talks the main subject of dispute between us and the Argentine. However, we have made absolutely clear to the Argentine and to the world what our posture is on the question of sovereignty. There are also other questions relating to communications and good and fruitful relations between the islands and the mainland which can very usefully be pursued.
§ Mr. SmithIs it not reprehensible that these talks should continue when the question of sovereignty is bound to be on the agenda where the Argentine is concerned?
§ Mr. RobertsI said that the raising of this question cannot be excluded. Equally, what we shall say in relation to it cannot be excluded, which has been made perfectly clear to the House and to the Argentine by my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BraineCan the Minister of State confirm that the people of the Falkland Islands and their representative bodies, who have never wished to have any change of sovereignty at any time, are now completely convinced that despite these continuing talks with the Argentine there is no question of any transfer of sovereignty?
§ Mr. RobertsI think that this is the firm impression and knowledge of the islanders. I know of no representations to us from them which would carry any other implication.
§ Mr. LuardGiven the fact that repeatedly it has been made clear that there would be no question of transferring sovereignty against the wishes of the people of the Falkland Islands, is it not manifestly in the interests above all of those people that we should continue these discussions, which may restore far more friendly relations both between ourselves and the Argentine and between these people and the Argentine?
§ Mr. RobertsYes. That in itself is an important and necessary objective.