HC Deb 22 September 1943 vol 392 cc172-4
5. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement concerning the recent discussions between General Franco and His Majesty's Ambassador in Spain?

11. Mr. Leach

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information relative to the interview on 10th August between the British Ambassador and General Franco, particularly in regard to Spanish help to Germany in the use of ports available to German submarines, the official recognition of the Blue Division in Russia and how this can be reconciled with non-belligerency; whether the German Gestapo in Spain is to be allowed to continue; whether British rights in Tangier are now properly safeguarded; and whether Spain is now prepared to adopt a policy of genuine neutrality?

Mr. Eden

The interview was arranged on the eve of my right hon. Friend's annual visit to this country. On instructions from His Majesty's Government, the attention of the head of the Spanish State was drawn to the various complaints which His Majesty's Government had been forced to make from time to time of discrimination against British interests. While some of these complaints had been remedied, my right hon. Friend drew attention to cases that still required to be dealt with if General Franco's proclaimed policy of equal treatment of the belligerents by Spain was to be effectively carried out. Among other questions specifically referred to was the position of the Blue Division, and it was made clear to General Franco that so long as it remained in the Soviet Union it was a serious obstacle to the development of cordial Anglo-Spanish relations. I have no information to show that Spanish ports are available to German submarines. As regards Tangier, I would invite my hon. Friends' attention to the reply which I am giving to-day to Questions on this subject.

Mr. Strauss

May I ask the Foreign Secretary what the response of General Franco was to this request? If it was unfavourable, is any further step contemplated?

Mr. Eden

The Spanish Government have undertaken to look into our complaints, and we look to them for an early improvement in the situation.

Mr. Leach

Is the right hon. Gentleman reasonably satisfied that things are progressing in the right direction?

Mr. Eden

They are better than they were. I suppose that is progress.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Does not General Franco's attitude constitute a still more nauseating form of neutrality? May we be sure that he will in no circumstances be invited to any of these conferences?

Mr. Ivor Thomas

Does the reply include the ports of the Balearic Islands also?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, I think so.