§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advance notice was provided to the Mexican authorities of the plans of the members of the Combined Services Caving Association prior to their entry into Mexico this month; and if he will set out the official response made by Her Majesty's Government to the concerns raised over the cavers' presence in Mexico by President Vicente Fox. [165160]
§ Mr. RammellI have been asked to reply.
The British Embassy in Mexico City contacted the Mexican Ministry of Defence on 28 November 2003, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 3 February 2004, at official level by telephone. In these contacts the Embassy informed the authorities of the nature and purpose of the Combined Services Caving Association visit and the fact that those members of the group who were members of the British armed forces would be in Mexico in their civilian capacity as cavers. The contacts were designed to establish that, as in previous years, no special clearances would be required, and to ensure the Mexicans were informed of the visit. The Embassy offered further information in writing. The Mexican authorities confirmed by phone that no special clearances were required for the visit and that no further information was needed.
The UK responded to the Mexican Government's concern about the presence of the UK cavers in Mexico by Note Verbale on 26 March. In our reply we expressed our sincere gratitude to the Mexican Government for their co-operation and assistance to help ensure the safe rescue of the trapped cavers. We also set out the full facts about the nature of activities being undertaken by the cavers and our understanding of the immigration documentation necessary.