III. Vertrauliches Protokoll, London, Dezember 1966 (S. 154-155)

Agreed Minute

CONFIDENTIAL

In the course of discussions leading up to the Exchange of Notes of 30 December 1966, constituting an Agreement between the Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom concerning the use of the islands in the British Indian Ocean Territory for defence purposes the following agreement and understandings were reached:

I With reference to paragraph (2)(a) of the Agreement, the administrative measures referred to are those necessary for modifying or terminating any economic activity then being pursued in the islands, resettling any inhabitants, and otherwise facilitating the availability of the islands for defence purposes. Where any United States requirement is for land owned by the United Kingdom Government but in the possession of a lessee of that Government and it will be necessary for notice of termination of the lease to be given by or on behalf of that Government to the lessee, there will be adequate notice of the United States requirement for the purpose of enabling the United Kingdom Government to give the lessee six months’ notice of the termination of the lease or such less period of notice as may be specified in the lease. This paragraph shall not, however, apply in the circumstances envisaged in paragraph (2)(c) of the Agreement.

II With reference to paragraph (2)(b) of the Agreement, the approval in principle by both Governments before either constructs or installs any facility is required only for construction or installation of major new developments. Such developments would be of the order of an air staging base, a fleet support installation, or a space tracking station. The mutually satisfactory arrangements between appropriate administrative authorities would be sufficient for improvement or reasonable expansion of approved facilities already constructed or installed.

III With reference to paragraph (2)(c) of the Agreement, the types of measures considered appropriate by the British authorities during periods of emergency use by the United States will be indicated to the United States authorities and will be reflected by the latter in any planning for emergency use. In the event of such emergency use of an inhabited island, the implementation of measures taken by the United States authorities to ensure the welfare of any inhabitants may be monitored by British personnel. When temporary emergency use is required, the administrative authorities of the two Governments will agree upon the arrangements (if any) regarding such temporary use which may in the circumstances be appropriate."