229. Britain’s Last Colony: The Second World War, Forced Deportations, and 9/11 (Ep 1)

The podcast explores the complex history and present-day implications surrounding the Chagos Islands, focusing on its strategic importance and the displacement of its inhabitants. Philippe Sands, an international human rights lawyer, recounts his involvement in the Chagos Islands case, beginning with a call from the Mauritian Prime Minister. The discussion highlights the islands' transitions between Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British control, leading to its significance as a coaling station during World War II. Key issues include the forced removal of Chagossians between 1968 and 1973 to accommodate a US military base, the legal maneuverings to deny their residency status, and their subsequent impoverished conditions in Mauritius. The narrative emphasizes the personal trauma experienced by the Chagossian people, illustrated by stories of families being separated from their homes and witnessing the gassing of their pets.