Chagos Islands: Sovereignty
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54740 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether measures have been put in place to (a) protect equipment on the Chagos Archipelago outside of Diego Garcia from interference, (b) ensure that the government of Mauritius maintains the confidentiality of the locations of that equipment and (c) respond to any breaches of the agreement by Mauritius.
Answered by Stephen Doughty
The Treaty explicitly grants all rights and authorities that the United Kingdom requires for the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base. Furthermore, Mauritius has committed to not undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base, and shall cooperate to that end. It is expected that the majority of security concerns that arise during the implementation of the Agreement will be resolved via the Joint Commission. If an issue arises that relates to the essential security interests of either the United Kingdom or Mauritius, which cannot be settled through the Joint Commission, Clause 3 of Article 14 provides the ability for direct Prime Ministerial consultation.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →