§ 42. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the statute governing the surveillance of the territorial waters of the Tangier zone and the control of the zone has not been put into practical operation although technically in force, and that as a result the whole situation is one of transition and confusion, whilst the commitments of Great Britain are indeterminate; and whether there is any proposal that British troops should be sent to reinforce the native police?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Tangier Convention is now in practical operation except as regards the surveillance of the Tangier territorial waters and the amalgamation of the two existing native tabors into a gendarmerie under a Belgian commandant. Steps are now being taken to carry out the naval surveillance. The amalgamation of the tabors has been delayed for the reasons stated in the answer just given to the hon. Member 854 for Orkney and Shetland. It is not proposed to send British troops to Tangier.
40. Mr. T. THOMSON forasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any steps are being taken to organise a local gendarmerie in the Tangier Zone?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Tangier Convention provides for the amalgamation of the two existing gendarmerie tabors, under the command of a French and a Spanish officer respectively, into a force of 350 men under the command of a Belgian commandant. This step has been postponed, first owing to the non-arrival of the commandant and now owing to the present troubles.