§ 40. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in negotiations with the Icelandic Government in respect of raising the embargo on fishing by British trawlers in the newly-extended territorial waters; and what are the main questions to be negotiated.
§ Mr. EdenAs my right hon. and learned Friend informed the hon. and gallant Member for Berwick and East Lothian (Major Anstruther-Gray) on 26th May, the Icelandic Government have been informed, in an exchange of Notes, that in the view of Her Majesty's Government they are not entitled to extend their territorial waters and that one of their new base lines is drawn in a manner contrary to the principles approved by The Hague Court. They were requested to amend their regulations accordingly.
These matters are still under discussion between the two Governments. I have myself spoken with the Icelandic Minister. For the time being, however, I would prefer not to make any further statement.