§ Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether the Argentine and Chile are still in unauthorised occupation of bases in the Falkland Island Dependencies; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what attempts have been made since 1956 by the Argentine and Chile to establish sovereignty over British territory in Antarctica.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyArgentina now occupies eight and Chile five posts in the Falkland Island Dependencies. Only one of these, the Chilean station on Trinity Peninsula, has been established since 1956. Both Governments have also erected navigational beacons and refuge huts in the area. Her Majesty's Government have made formal protests when each installation was set up, the last being in March, 1957, at the end of the 1956–57 Antarctic season.
The International Geophysical Year opened on 1st July, 1957. Her Majesty's Government welcome scientific exploration in the Falkland Island Dependencies during this period and do not regard this as affecting sovereignty in any way. All the above-mentioned Argentine and 138W Chilean posts are participating in the scientific programme of the International Geophysical Year. In the case of activities which are not connected with the International Geophysical Year such as the Argentine tourist cruise to Deception Island in January, Her Majesty's Government have made their attitude on the question of sovereignty clear to the Governments concerned.