HC Deb 25 April 1911 vol 24 cc1601-2
Major ARCHER-SHEE

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House as to the number of British subjects residing in Fez at the present time, and what steps the Government propose taking to safeguard British interests in that part of Morocco?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The number of British subjects residing at Fez on 27th March, 1911, apart from persons of Moorish parentage, was ten. Of these, six were women and two were children. His Majesty's Government do not contemplate any active measures. They consider that the arrangements being made under French supervision will afford the necessary protection to British subjects at Fez. No special measures appear to be called for to safeguard British interests in that part of Morocco.

Mr. DILLON

Has the Government any information which would give them cause for believing that there is any danger to Europeans?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No; we have no such information.

Mr. REMNANT

May I ask whether any representations have been made to the French Government to carry out the suggestions—

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No representations have been made to the French Government.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

May I ask whether it is intended to co-operate with other Governments should it become necessary to send a large force to pacify Morocco?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No occasion has arisen to make us contemplate any such action.

Mr. REMNANT

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is his intention to make representations, and, if so, whether he will do so at once?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

There is no necessity to make representations.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg leave to move the adjournment of the House to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the attitude to be adopted by this country in the event of extensive military operations being required for the pacification of Morocco.

Mr. DILLON

This is for the purpose of creating a scare.

Mr. SPEAKER

I am afraid that the hon. Member's Motion cannot come within the rule which says that the matter must be a definite one. The terms are "the attitude to be adopted by this country." That is something very indefinite, and it depends on a purely hypothetical event, namely, "extensive military operations being required." The hon. Member had better wait and see.