Duchess of Athollasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) how many observing officers and assistant observing officers have been appointed to date to observe the scheme of observation of the Spanish frontiers within the zones allotted, respectively, to German and Italian warships; where these observers will be stationed; and whether their instructions will enable them to report any infringement of neutrality or other possible abuses on the part of such warships;
(2) what British officials have been instructed to report on the working of the scheme of observation of the Spanish frontiers within the zones allotted to German and Italian warships, respectively;
(3) what staff is available to help any British officials instructed to report on the working of the observation scheme within the zones allotted to German and Italian warships, respectively; and which of the latter have cyphers?
§ Mr. EdenMy Noble Friend appears to be under some misapprehension as to352W the nature of the scheme of observation, and I am arranging to have a copy sent to her of the Committee's resolution of 8th March, which contains an outline of the scheme.
The only parts of the Spanish frontiers which are divided into zones for naval supervision are naturally the sea frontiers, and on these there can be, of course, no international officers stationed. The observers employed by the Board are based on certain "control ports" outside Spanish territory, at which all merchant ships bound for Spain are required to call. Their duty is to go on board such ships and watch the unloading of the cargoes when they arrive in the Spanish port.
These officers, of whom there will be one or two on board every merchant ship belonging to a European Power which visits Spain, will of course be in a position to give full reports to the International Board regarding any facts which they think relevant to the observance of the Non-Intervention Agreement.
Miss Rathboneasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many British naval vessels and of what description have recently been withdrawn from the neighbourhood of the Spanish coast within the zones allotted for observation to German and Italian warships; and how many British naval vessels and of what description still remain within those waters?
§ Sir S. HoareThree of His Majesty's Ships have been, and will continue to be maintained in the area referred to by the hon. Member. The composition of this force varies from time to time as individual vessels are relieved.