§ 44. Mr. Warbeyasked the Postmaster-General what are the terms of the agreement reached at Washington on the establishment, ownership, control and operation of a worldwide satellite communications system; and what arrangements have been made to protect the interests of the United Nations, of the International Telecommunication Union, and of countries, such as the Chinese People's Republic, which are not yet represented in these organisations.
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§ Mr. Bevins1. At an International Conference held in Washington last week, draft Agreements were drawn up covering interim arrangements for the establishment of a global commercial communication satellite system. The Agreements were initialled on a basis ad referendum to their Governments or designated authorities by representatives of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Vatican City.
2. The United Kingdom Government has now approved the Agreements which will be open for signature by any member of the International Telecommunication Union ready to make a capital contribution.
3. A White Paper describing the negotiations, the considerations which have determined the Government's policy, and the main features of the Agreement will be presented within a few days. Meantime, copies of the Agreements are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
4. The Government consider that the proposed arrangements will achieve the policy objectives described in my statement of the 26th February last, and will provide a secure foundation for international co-operation in the field of satellite communications.