Diplomatic Relations

HC Deb 03 May 1984 vol 59 c235W

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when diplomatic relations were broken in the case of each country with whom the United Kingdom does not have diplomatic relations; what was the reason; which country looks after British interests in each case; and at what cost to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Whitney

The information is as followsCountry and year of break Albania 1946. Reason for break Diplomatic relations between Britain and Albania came to an end in April 1939 when the Italians invaded Albania and brought the country into a "personal union" under the Italian Crown. Negotiations for the resumption of normal diplomatic relations after the war were well advanced, but were broken off by the United Kingdom following the mining of two Royal Navy destroyers in the Corfu channel on 22 October 1946 when 44 British seamen died. Country representing None. Annual cost to United Kingdom 1982–83 None. Country and year of break Guatemala 1963 (Diplomatic relations) 1981 (Consular relations). Reason for break Guatemala broke diplomatic relations because of the imminence of internal self-government for Belize, and consular relations because of Belize's independence. Country representing Switzerland. Annual cost to United Kingdom 1982–83 £26,241. Country and year of break Argentina 1982. Reason for break The Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands. Country representing Switzerland. Annual cost to United Kingdom 1982–83 £184,800. Country and year of break Libya 1984. Reason for break The unprecedented abuse of diplomatic premises by the Libyans on 17 April showed the impossibility of maintaining normal relations with them. Country representing Italy. Annual cost to United Kingdom 1982–83 at present under negotiation with the Italian Government.

The United Kingdom has never had diplomatic relations with Bhutan, which chooses to maintain relations with only three neighbouring states, nor does it have relations with Cambodia since the Government decided in December 1979 that there was no Government in that country which they could recognise.