HC Deb 05 May 1969 vol 783 cc10-2
9. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the latest representations made by Argentina in the talks which are taking place on the future of the Falkland Islands.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 24th March.—[Vol. 780, c. 1030–1.]

Mr. Smith

Is it not time that these talks were drawn to a close? As there is still a strong suspicion that the Government might surrender sovereignty for these islands, would not the hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to deny absolutely that this is the intention?

Mr. Roberts

In reply to the hon. Member when he last raised this matter, I was specific that there had been absolutely no change in the quite firm position made so clear by my right hon. Friend on numerous occasions in the House. I gladly restate that position today.

Mr. Luard

Since Her Majesty's Government have made clear many times that there is no question of the transfer of sovereignty for the Falkland Islands, is it not in the interests of the inhabitants of those islands that this country should establish the closest possible co-operation with the Argentine Government about the future of the islands?

Mr. Roberts

I agree. My hon. Friend states the two parts of our policy fairly and fully. It is necessary to discuss; it is necessary to get the best possible relations with the Argentine. At the same time, we have made absolutely clear where we stand about the future of the Falklands.

Mr. Braine

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman what there is to discuss with the Argentine over this matter? What are the arrangements which would be of such advantage to the Falkland Islanders that these discussions must go on, creating the impression that at the end of the day the question of sovereignty is to be discussed?

Mr. Roberts

Clearly it is necessary to talk about the improvement of communications, which at the moment the hon. Gentleman knows are not at all good. There are other aspects of the relationship of these islands and the country nearest to them on the mainland which ought to be discussed. Discussing these matters does not for a moment mean that the position of the future sovereignty of the islands is in any way prejudiced.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there has been any response whatever from the Argentine Government?

Mr. Roberts

I can say that the discussions which have proceeded in the last few weeks have been amicable and reasonable and in no way have prejudiced the position which I have stated.