§ 6. Sir JOHN POWERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, unless a demand for the revision of the statute of the Tangier zone is made prior to 24th November of this year, the existing statute is automatically renewed for a further period of 12 years; and whether, as His Majesty's Government do not regard the present position as satisfactory, it is his intention to give due notice of a demand for revision?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe period for giving notice of revision expires on 14th November next, and I am aware of the position if such notice is not given. As regards the second part of my hon. Friend's question, His Majesty's Government will re serve their decision as to the most appropriate procedure to be adopted, until the views of the other Powers concerned have been received and considered.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDCan the right hon. Gentleman accept the suggestion in the second part of the question that His Majesty's Government consider the present situation to be unsatisfactory?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy hon. and gallant Friend may recall that, in answer to the question a few days ago, I explained—and I am glad to repeat it—that the view we take is that it is desirable to strengthen the international regime by seeking improvements in the administration of the Statute and more particularly in its financial and judicial sphere.
§ Sir J. POWERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the city of Tangier cannot balance its budget, and that the annuities payable on the port loans can only be met with the assistance of voluntary grants made by the French and Spanish zones in Morocco, and which may be with drawn at any moment; and whether it is intended, in the event of the discontinuance of these grants, to permit the financial control of the port to fall into the hands of the French concessionaires?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am aware that the Tangier budget, including the service of the port loans, has been balanced in recent years with the aid of subsidies from the French and Spanish zones. In the event of a default in the service of the port loans, the position is governed by Article 40of the Convention of 1923, relating to the organisation of the Statute of the Tangier zone, which provides that the Shereefian Government will resume the sole financial control of the port concession. His Majesty's Government pro pose to consult with the other Powers concerned regarding the means for ensuring the financial stability of the zones as a whole.
§ 8. Sir J. POWERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that the situation in Tangier is consistent with the principle of internationalisation and in accord with the avowed British policy of securing the free passage of the Straits of Gibraltar
§ Sir J. SIMONYes, Sir.