Mauritius could rent islands near the crucial military base of Diego Garcia to China or Russia, unless the UK Chagos hands over sovereignty, a minister claimed today.
Foreign Minister Stephen Doughty said that doubts about the legal status of the British overseas territory would mean that there would be no basis for removing hostile power.
Writing in time, he suggested that this could cause a confrontation that was comparable to the Cuban rocket crisis.
The extraordinary warning came when the government climbed to justify the proposed rejection of the territory to Mauritius. Under a disputed deal, the UK would return the UK -Basis on Diego Garcia for the following century for £ 90 million a year -plus inflation.
However, critics have convicted the ministers for the contents of the rejecting of an advice from the International Court of Justice that Great Britain does not have the islands.
Mauritius could rent islands near the crucial Diego Garcia Military Base to China or Russia, unless the UK Chagos hands over sovereignty, a minister claimed today
Allies of Donald Trump (depicted) have questioned the agreement, whereby the president has revised the conditions – approved by the Biden administration
Allies of Donald Trump have questioned the agreement, whereby the president has revised the conditions – which have been approved by the Biden administration.
Keir Starmer has also argued that control over satellite communication can be jeopardized if no deal is closed.
Mr Doughty insisted that a deal would “strengthen our position in the region” and added: “If you appreciate the national security of the UK and that of our allies, you must support this deal.”
Mr Doughty brought the prospect of Mauritius who leases one of the other islands – such as Peros Banhos, Danger Island and the Egmont Islands – to a foreign power.
It is thought that the proposed deal can block that.
“Our opponents would be great to establish outdoor posts on the outer islands,” he said.
“With a guise of legality on their side, we would not have a basis for removing them and the efforts to do this could cause a serious confrontation.”
“If we don't pay, someone else will do that.”
The minister added: 'The deal of the British Indian Ocean is rooted in a rational and stubborn determination to protect British national security.
“This deal will protect the basis on Diego Garcia and Cement UK and the American presence in the Indo-Pacific for the coming generations.”
Foreign Minister Stephen Doughty (photo) said that doubts about the legal status of the British overseas territory would mean that there would be no basis for removing a hostile power
