HC Deb 11 May 1925 vol 183 cc1437-8
41. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under what treaty the boundary between the French and Spanish protectorates in Morocco is defined; and whether His Majesty's Government is a party to the treaty?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The boundary is defined in the Franco-Spanish agreement relating to Morocco of the 27th November, 1912. His Majesty's Government is not a party to that agreement

44. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the position in Morocco and the hostilities that have broken out between the French and the Riffs and whether he is watching the situation from the point of view of British interests in that part of Africa?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The information appearing in the Press has been as complete as that which has reached me, and I cannot add to it. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take the opportunity, should one arise, of friendly intervention in this matter?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir, I. am not prepared to interfere in what is a domestic affair of France. All my sympathies are with France in their efforts to bring about peace to their country, and to protect, those who are under their protection

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the southern shores of the Straits of Gibraltar form part of the Riff Territory, and cannot, therefore, be the domestic affair of any country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. and gallant Gentleman was referring to French interests and the Riffs, and not to the Spanish interests and the Riffs