§ Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what British possessions are still illegally occupied by South American Governments; and what recent action he has taken in the matter.
§ Sir A. EdenI assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Falkland Islands Dependencies, where the Argentine and Chilean Governments have established a number of unauthorised settlements.
Her Majesty's Government have not hesitated to take forcible action against certain of the trespassers, and reserve their right to take similar action in the future. We hope, however, that the Argentine and Chilean Governments will agree to submit the Antarctic dispute to judicial settlement and we have repeatedly invited these Governments to join with us in referring the matter to the International Court of Justice. This invitation remains open.