The deal to hand all the archipelago other than Diego Garcia to Mauritian control represents a pragmatic reality check. Diego Garcia has long been a backwater for the Royal Navy. It is also difficult to imagine that potential foes do not already have plans to strike Diego Garcia in the event of a major conflict. One concern raised by opponents is that the deal is for ‘only’ a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia, versus our current long-term occupation of the islands. The reality is that, for the UK, Diego Garcia is of very limited strategic interest or value of itself, but it is an invaluable tool for the United States.