HC Deb 17 December 1970 vol 808 cc426-7W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister on what date Her Majesty's Government agreed with the United States of America on the construction of a limited naval communication facility on Diego Garcia atoll.

Mr. Kershaw

I have been asked to reply.

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) on 8th December, the possible use of the British Indian Ocean Territory for defence purposes has been kept under review by the United States and British Governments since the United States-United Kingdom Exchange of Notes of December, 1966, published in April, 1967 (Command 3231). The final decision to go ahead with the facility was, however, taken only within the last few days.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with Mrs. Gandhi on the proposed Anglo-American base at Diego Garcia.

Mr. Kershaw

I have been asked to reply.

The Indian Government were informed by Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government about the proposed naval communications facility at Diego Garcia before the public announcement was made.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Ceylon on the proposed Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Archipelago.

Mr. Kershaw

The Ceylon Government were informed by Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government about the proposed naval communications facility at Diego Garcia before the public announcement was made.