TNAG-0480-FCO40-545-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 77

RESTRICTED

purposes.

It was made clear

at the time the British Indian

Ocean Territory was formed that the

islands would be available for defence

purposes.

13. OIL AND MINERAL

RIGHTS:

HMG has agreed that the Mauritius

Government should have the benefit of

any mineral or oil discovered in or

near the Chagos Archipelago.

14. RETURN TO MAURITIUS:

The islands will be returned to the

Mauritions if we decide that there

is no longer a need for the facilities.