§ 13. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Anglo-Uruguayan relations.
§ Mr. OnslowI am glad to say that we enjoy good relations with Uruguay.
§ Mr. HardyIs the Minister aware of the story published in The Economist in June, and included in reports recently approved by the Western European Union Assembly, that Uruguay offered to evacuate the civilians from the Falkland Islands before the Argentine invasion? Is it not now, or may it not potentially be, a matter of embarrassment for Uruguay if the Foreign Office continues to refuse to offer adequate comment? Will the Minister make it clear that while the Foreign Office may continue to refrain from offering comment or explanation, it would have no objection if Uruguay offered to do so?
§ Mr. OnslowIt is for the Uruguayan Government to make their own decisions. I have to repeat to the hon. Gentleman what I have already stated in my letter. This matter falls within the terms of reference of the review being conducted by the Franks committee.
§ Mr. DalyellApart from the possibility of widows and relatives visiting graves, is it not a fact that there is no 939 chance of any Uruguayan Government in the foreseeable future providing landing rights for a continuous relationship between Britain and the Falklands?
§ Mr. OnslowI believe that the House welcomes the announcement that has been made about the visit by next of kin. I do not think that the House regards the hon. Gentleman as a spokesman for the Uruguayan Government, present or future.