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Written question asked by Lord Luce (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 5 July 2010.


British Indian Ocean Territory

Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have asked the Government of the United States whether they envisage any security problems with Chagossians resettling on the outer isles of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Answer

The US authorities have made clear their concerns about the possible restoration of a settled civilian population in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) which, they have said "would severely compromise Diego Garcia's unparalleled security and have a deleterious impact on our military operations". The US welcomed the judgment of the Law Lords in October 2008, which found the BIOT constitution order lawful, and it has stressed the importance that it attaches, as we do, to our treaty obligations.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
720 c5-6WA; 724
Session
2010-12
Subjects
British Indian Ocean Territory Military bases USA Resettlement Chagossians
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk