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Oral Answers
13 JULY 1977
a
resolving that absurd situation in civilised way over the next two or three years?
Mr. Luard: The Chinese Government are very well aware of our views about the position of Hong Kong. They have. indicated no anxiety radically to change the existing situation in the immediate future, but we shall continue to keep these questions in mind.
Chemical Warfare (Disarmament Treaty)
3. Mr. Dalyell asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied that the technical studies being made of possible procedures for verifying observance of a chemical 'warfare disarmament treaty are commen- surate not only with the verification pro- visions envisaged in the draft treaty put forward by Her Majesty's Government in 1976, but also with any other such provi- sions which Her Majesty's Government might have to consider.
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Frank Judd) : Yes, Sir. The United Kingdom takes an active part in meetings of experts of the Conference of the Committee on Dis- armament on this subject.
Mr. Dalyell: Are the technical studies actually being done? Secondly, are we being kept informed of the American- Russian bilateral talks?
Mr. Judd: Yes, Sir. I said that we are co-operatng, and indeed we are being kept informed on the American-Russian talks. We expect a decisive statement in due
course.
Falkland Islands
4. Mr. Thorpe asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, at the forthcoming talks with the Argentine about the future of the Falkland Islands, he will make it clear that under the Charter of the United Nations, the islanders have the right of self-determination.
11. Sir Nigel Fisher asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what matters will be discussed during the forthcoming talks with the Government of the Argentine about the Falkland Islands.
Oral Answers
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407
13. Sir Bernard Braine asked the Secre- tary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs if it is intended to hold the proposed talks with the Argentine on the future of the Falkland Islands before or after the autumn elections in the islands.
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Edward Row- lands): As was announced yesterday, the first round in Anglo-Argentine negotia- tions on the Falkland Islands dispute is taking place in Rome from 13th to 15th July. The topics for discussion are set out in the Terms of Reference for these negotiations which were announced on 26th April. The Government's commit- ment to the principle of self-determination will once again be made clear to the Argentines during the current negotia- tions.
Mr. Thorpe I am grateful to the Minister for that reassurance. but will he also sce that it is made clear to the people of the Falkland Islands them. selves? Will he accept that if what he says is correct any diminution of their sovereignty can take place only with their consent, and that if it is not forth- coming this country will be morally obliged to reject any such claim from the Argentine?
Mr. Rowlands: We shall of course inform the Falkland Islanders about our actions and our approach to the talks. I have myself sent a message to the Island Council informing it in advance of the first round of talks. I made it very clear to the House when we debated the matter on 1st March that the Government would not even bring proposals to the House unless they had received the acceptance of the islanders themselves.
Sir N. Fisher: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his forthright declara- tion, clear and categorical, that there can be no change in sovereignty without the full consent and approval of the islanders. But whilst it may be advisable and indeed even necessary to offer the Argentine participation in the development of fish- ing, exploration for oil and that type of thing, will he at least consider lengthen- ing the airfield so as to make the islanders less dependent on the Argentine for their communications?
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