§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether Admiral Jose Toribio Merino, Head of the Chilean Navy and member of the Junta, visited Britain in the week beginning 20th June in his private capacity or at the invitation of the Govern- 360WA ment; which Ministers, officers of the Royal Navy or civil servants he will be meeting; and whether they will express concern over the continuing violation of human rights in Chile, especially the killing on 14th June of a six-year-old boy in the course of a demonstration calling for a return of democracy.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces (Lord Trefgarne)Admiral Merino visited London last week in the course of a private tour of European countries. He did not meet any Ministers while in London, but he took the opportunity to call on the First Sea Lord and the Commander-in-Chief, Fleet, and to discuss matters of mutual professional interest with them and members of their staffs. He also paid a visit to the School of Maritime Operations. The Chilean Government is fully aware of our continuing concern at the violation of human rights in Chile.