Phoenix and Northern Line Islands

HC Deb 06 February 1979 vol 962 cc161-2W

Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of talks with the Government of the United States of America on the latter's claim to the Phoenix and Northern Line Islands.

Mr. Luard

Official discussions between representatives of the British Gilbert Islands and the United States Governments were held in Honolulu on 25 and 26 January 1979. Progress was 961, c. 561], gave the following information:

The staff appointments are the responsibility of the Board and it would be inappropriate for me to seek to impose conditions.