HC Deb 21 November 1983 vol 49 cc27-8W
Miss Maynard

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will cease to recognise Sir Paul Scoon as Governor-General of Grenada, in view of the continued presence of United States forces on the island.

Mr. Whitney

The Governor-General of Grenada, Sir Paul Scoon, was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen as her representative as Head of State of Grenada. The question of recognition does not arise.

Miss Maynard

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to whether the Secretary-General of the United Nations recognises the credentials of the ambassador of Grenada to the United Nations.

Mr. Whitney

It is for the General Assembly and the Security Council to approve credentials rather than the Secretary-General. The General Assembly has referred the matter to its Credentials Committee. In an interim report to the Security Council, the Secretary-General has noted that a Head of State may revoke credentials, and forwarded a letter from the Governor-General.

Miss Maynard

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the Commonwealth Secretariat about the status of Sir Paul Scoon, following the American invasion of Grenada.

Mr. Whitney

None. The Governor-General of Grenada, Sir Paul Scoon, is a Grenadian national and the representative of the Queen as Head of State of Grenada. It would not be appropriate for us to engage in consultations about his status with the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Miss Maynard

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government still recognise the credentials of the Grenadian high commissioner in London.

Mr. Whitney

The appointment of the former Grenadian High Commissioner in London has been terminated. Dr. Claudius Thomas, the high commissioner for Eastern Caribbean states, is now responsible for the protection of Grenadian interests in the United Kingdom.

Miss Maynard

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations Her Majesty's Government have had with other Commonwealth Governments about the status of Sir Paul Scoon, following the invasion of Grenada by the United States.

Mr. Whitney

None. The Governor-General of Grenada, Sir Paul Scoon, is a Grenadian national and the representative of the Queen as Head of State of Grenada. It would not be appropriate for the British Government to engage in consultations about his status with other Governments.

Miss Maynard

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Sir Paul Scoon notified Her Majesty's Government of his intention to invite United States troops to enter Grenada; and whether he has any information as to whether the Commonwealth Secretariat was so informed.

Mr. Whitney

No. The Governor-General of Grenada, Sir Paul Scoon, did not inform us of his intention to seek help from outside Grenada. Any communication between the Governor-General and the Commonwealth Secretariat is a matter for them.

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