HL Deb 12 July 1984 vol 454 cc1035-6
Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of the speech made by the King of Spain on 12th June in which demands were made for the transfer to foreign powers of two British territories; and whether in the interests of Anglo-Spanish relations they will ask the Spanish Government to seek to restrain such unfriendly utterances.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, I am not aware that the speech to which my noble friend refers included a reference in the terms described. We have, however, expressed our regret to the Spanish Government at the terms of the joint Spanish/Argentine communique which was issued on 13th June and which my noble friend may have in mind.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that if he reads The Times for the appropriate date he will see a report of the speech, which apparently has not been challenged? If he satisfies himself in that way, will he suggest to the Spanish Government that putting sentiments of this kind into the mouth of a much respected monarch does no good to Anglo-Spanish relations?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I believe that our reports of the speech to which my noble friend refers differ from those which may have appeared in the press; but our views about the communiqué are, of course, quite clear.

Lord Brockway

My Lords, do the Government accept the principle of self-determination by the people of these territories, as to who should govern them?

Lord Trefgarne

Yes, my Lords, of course.

Lord Harmar-Nicholls

My Lords, does my noble friend think that the terms of the communiqué augur ill or well as regards the chances of Spain, with our support. joining the EEC?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the communiqué was not all bad because, for example, it said that they were hoping to solve their problems by peaceful means. With regard to the possibility of Spain's entry into the European Economic Community, we have of course made our position clear on that matter.