§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, following the Government's support for the United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for demilitarisation in the south Atlantic, he plans to reduce the British military presence in the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. RentonOur support for the United Nations resolution declaring a zone of peace and co-operation in the south Atlantic area reflects our desire to work for the reduction of tension in the region. As we made clear at the United Nations, we do not regard the new zone as affecting basic rights under the United Nations charter, which include that of self-defence.
Force levels in the Falklands reflect the continuing need for a military presence sufficient to deter aggression and to defend the islands against attack.