§ 104. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the negotiations with the U.S. Government concerning the use of island bases at present under British or Dominions sovereignty.
§ Mr. P. Noel-Baker:As my hon. Friend is, no doubt, aware the United States Government spent large sums during the war on the construction of bases in certain island territories which are now administered, wholly or in part, by Governments of the British Commonwealth. Most of these islands lie in the South Pacific area. During recent months the United States Government have made proposals for the future use and status of these bases. The discussion of these proposals is still going on, and I hope that it may lead to an agreement satisfactory to all concerned. There have, of course, been the closest consultations throughout with the Dominion Governments concerned.