98. Lieut.-Colonel J. WARDasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Spanish Government were consulted before the control of the international company for the construction of the Port of Tangier was handed over to France; and, if so, did the Spanish Government approve this arrangement?
Mr. HARMSWORTHMy hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt referring to the transfer to the Shereefian Government of the ex-enemy shares in the international company formed in 1914. The Spanish Government was unaware of the change as was also His Majesty's Government until after it had been effected, and they have both declined to acquiesce in the grant of the concession to the company as at present constituted.