§ Mr. Attlee(By Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government, in association with the French Government, have come to any decision regarding the maintenance of naval control of the Spanish coast, in view of the withdrawal of German and Italian forces; whether His Majesty's Government propose to make any suggestions for the immediate withdrawal of foreign nationals acting as combatants in Spain; and whether, failing satisfactory arrangements on these points, they propose that full facilities shall be accorded to the Spanish Government for the acquisition of arms and supplies?
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)With regard to the first part of the Question, the right hon. Gentleman will be aware that at the last 2323 meeting of the Non-Intervention Committee, Lord Plymouth made a statement on behalf of His Majesty's Government, in which he outlines certain proposals for reconstituting the Naval Observation Scheme. It is hoped that the Italian and German representatives will be able, at this morning's meeting of the Committee, to state the views of their Governments with regard to these proposals. With regard to the second part of the Question, His Majesty's Government have consistently pressed, and will continue to press, for the withdrawal of all foreign combatants from Spain. With regard to the third part of the Question, in the event of no satisfactory settlement being reached on the question of patrol, a new situation would be created in respect of which I am not at present in a position to make any statement.
§ Mr. AttleeMay I ask whether any consideration will be given to the granting of belligerent rights without the withdrawal of foreign troops from Spain?
§ Mr. EdenI do not think the right hon. Gentleman would expect me to enter into details as to what is at present a hypothetical situation. The Committee is now meeting, and I think we must await the outsome of their proceedings before I make any further statement.
§ Mr. AttleeAre we to understand that the question of belligerent rights has been considered?
Mr. Lloyd GeorgeIn view of the fact that the House will not meet until Monday, and that very serious decisions may be taken meanwhile which will affect British interests very much, would it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to promise to make a statement before the House separates this afternoon, if any conclusion is come to at the meeting this morning?
§ Mr. EdenCertainly, if there is anything I can say. It is difficult for me to say anything now, as the House will appreciate, but I suppose a communique will be issued at the end of the meeting, however long it takes to-day. I doubt whether it will be possible for me to make any statement beyond the terms of the 2324 communique until I have had time to consider the outcome of the meeting and to consult with my colleagues.