HC Deb 06 July 1922 vol 156 cc562-3
33. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the negotiations with France about Tangier, he will consider the advisability of buying out the French interest and charging the same on the other side of the balance sheet?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I fear that the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend is not a practicable method of dealing with the question of Tangier.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is this not a question of financial interests, and are the French Government prepared to settle this question in conjunction with other international debts?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

No. It is a very much bigger question.

Major C. LOWTHER

Is there any truth in the report published in the Spanish papers that it is the intention of our Government to meet the French and the Spanish Premiers before the Conference takes place?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, not before the Conference, but the Foreign Secretary will meet them at the Conference.

Lieut.-Colonel J. WARD

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that under no circumstances will the interests of Tangier be surrendered?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am sure that my Noble Friend will consider those interests.