SPAIN.

HC Deb 19 April 1937 vol 322 cc1402-15

7. Sir William Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what useful purpose is served by the continuance of the refusal of recognition of belligerent rights by the British Government to both parties in the Spanish civil war, especially having regard to well-established precedents for such recognition of both parties, as in the case of the American civil war, and the practice in matters of the kind as laid down in leading text-books of international law, and bearing in mind our express agreement as to non-intervention between the two parties?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

The steps taken by His Majesty's Government in common with other Governments in execution of the policy of non-intervention have so far rendered unnecessary the recognition of belligerent rights in the present dispute.

Mr. Sandys

Is it not a fact that we have already ourselves imposed upon our shipping almost all the restrictions normally associated with the recognition of belligerent rights and, if so, are we not in practice suffering the disadvantages of both policies without getting the benefits of either?

Mr. Eden

No. If belligerent rights were granted, both parties would have the right to stop and search British ships on the high seas.

Mr. Sandys

Are we not, in fact, doing that ourselves? We are preventing them from going to Bilbao and we have forbidden the trade in arms.

Sir Percy Harris

Is it true that we are preventing ships going to Bilbao? Is the hon. Member's statement correct?

Mr. Eden

It would require modification.

Mr. W. Roberts

Would not any such action as granting belligerent rights be interpreted throughout the world as merely a surrender to the threats of General Franco?

Mr. Sandys

In view of the importance of the matter, would not the right hon. Gentleman on an early occasion make a statement of the reasons why the Government are not according belligerent rights?

Mr. Eden

I think the position has several times been made claer. We have embarked upon this policy of non-intervention in common with other countries. I certainly would not wish this country to take unilateral action.

10. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has been received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Hendaye concerning Mr. Koestler?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir. But I am taking steps to seek to expedite a reply.

11. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Italian delegate to the Non-Intervention Committee still adheres to his statement of 23rd March that the Italian armies will not leave Spain until the insurgent Spanish forces have been victorious?

Mr. Eden

The hon. and gallant Member will have observed from the communique issued at the close of the meeting of the Sub-Committee last Thursday, that the Italian representative then agreed to resume discussion of the withdrawal of volunteers from Spain, and that a Technical Advisory Sub-Committee was appointed to prepare a scheme for such withdrawal.

12. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received any information tending to show that poison gas has recently been shipped from Hamburg for destinations in Spain?

Mr. Eden

The Spanish Ambassador has drawn my attention to a report of this nature, and I am making inquiries.

13. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the intention of the Spanish insurgent authorities to intensify mining between Cape Falco, in the Mediterranean, and Cape Machichaco, north-north-east of Bilbao?

Mr. Eden

In a note dated 9th April the insurgent authorities informed Sir Henry Chilton that mining would be intensified between Cape Vidios and Cape Machichaco in the Bay of Biscay, and between Cape Sacratif and Cape Falco in the Mediterranean. So far as I am aware, these mining operations have been and are intended to be carried out within territorial waters. There are, of course, special zones reserved for foreign ships at Barcelona and Valencia, which are to be kept free from mines.

Mr. Henderson

Will not this indiscriminate laying of mines, even though within territorial waters, turn out to be a serious threat to the safety of one of our main sea routes, especially in the Mediterranean?

Mr. Eden

I do not think so, especially if in territorial waters. Nevertheless, I should not like the House to imagine that we accept with gratification a situation of that kind.

Mr. Henderson

Is it not a fact that our experience during the Great War showed that whether mines were anchored or not anchored they constituted a serious danger to shipping, and will not the Government take steps to counter that?

Mr. Eden

I fully appreciate the seriousness of the matter; I have no quarrel with the hon. Member on that point. The difficulty is the extent of our rights within Spanish territorial waters.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Are we to understand that the Navy are sweeping up to the three miles territorial limit?

Mr. Eden

The right hon. Gentleman must not understand that.

Sir Archibald Sinclair

Surely the question is whether an authority to whom we have not accorded belligerent rights has no right to sow mines inside territorial waters or anywhere else?

Mr. Eden

It is not only a question of the right of that authority but a question of our right.

Mr. Henderson

Is it not contrary to international law even for a belligerent to embark upon a policy of indiscriminate mine-laying?

Mr. Eden

I should like notice of that question.

Sir A. Sinclair

If the right hon. Gentleman says it is a question of our rights, surely we have a right to secure the free passage of our ships to Spanish ports, and not to have mines sown in their path, even in territorial waters?

14. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make as to the condition of affairs in Spain; and will he give particulars of any further steps that have been taken to protect the lives and/or property of foreign subjects?

Mr. Eden

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on 6th April in reply to a question put by the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Morgan Jones) to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Day

Have his Majesty's Minister or other representatives in Spain supplied the number of deaths of British subjects who have not been taking part in any of these hostilities?

Mr. Eden

That question does not bear any resemblance to the question on the Order Paper.

Brigadier-General Sir Henry Croft

Is not the Government at Bilbao an independent Basque Republic, and in view of that fact have His Majesty's Government any diplomatic consonance of that Government at the present time?

Mr. Eden

I should like the hon. and gallant Member to put that question down.

16. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement to the House concerning the present situation at Bilbao and the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the entry of British ships into that port?

Mr. Eden

I have nothing at present to add to the full statements made on behalf of the Government in the course of the Debate on Wednesday last.

Mr. Alexander

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that both shipowners and insurers in this country are left in a very difficult situation by the Government's action? Is he aware that the shipowners stand to meet claims for millions of pounds for contracts they cannot fulfil owing to the Government's instructions, and that in the circumstances insurance offices are refusing to accept insurances?

Mr. Eden

If the right hon. Gentleman wants to ask that question, it is clearly one for the Board of Trade.

Mr. Attlee

Has the right hon. Gentleman any further information as to the actual position at the port of Bilbao? Has he made any inquiry as to the truth of the statements made by the Basque Government?

Mr. Eden

I understand that there are some other questions on the Paper. It is perfectly true that the situation is constantly under review. All I can say at the moment is that there has been no fundamental change to report to the House since last Wednesday.

Mr. Alexander

Are we to understand that British mercantile ships are now being protected adequately by the British Navy up to the three-mile limit?

Mr. Eden

I made the position absolutely clear on Friday.

Earl Winterton

Is it not a fact that this House has by an overwhelming majority accepted the policy of nonintervention?

17. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further negotiations have taken place with the Spanish Government, since His Majesty's Government's Note of 20th March, with regard to a possible modification of the status of Spanish Morocco in favour of Great Britain and France?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir.

Mr. Bellenger

Are we to understand that His Majesty's Government are not prepared to listen to any representations from the Spanish Government in regard to this matter?

Mr. Eden

I think my answer is quite clear.

19. Sir A. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French Government were consulted before His Majesty's Government decided how to act in face of General Franco's claim to have established a de facto blockade of Bilbao?

Mr. Eden

His Majesty's Government have kept the French Government fully informed of their attitude on this question through the ordinary diplomatic channels?

Sir A. Sinclair

Seeing that His Majesty's Government have frequently informed the House that the non-intervention policy was adopted on the initiative of the French Government, surely they ought to have consulted the French Government before they decided to apply the principle of non-intervention at Bilbao?

Mr. Eden

We did inform the French Government before we took action, and I have no reason whatever to suppose that with the broad lines of our policy the French Government have any disagreement. All the information they have given us relates to two points, that they would not allow interference with French ships on the high seas, and that the local situation would not arise with them because they had no ships going to Bilbao.

Sir A. Sinclair

Did the right hon. Gentleman consult the French Government before he embarked upon this policy?

Mr. Eden

I fully informed the French Government before we did so.

Mr. Alexander

If the right hon. Gentleman says that the Government will not brook interference with British ships on the high seas, why are they turning back British ships from going to Bilbao?

Mr. Eden

The position of the Government has been made absolutely clear in the answer I gave last Friday. I have nothing to withdraw or qualify from what I said.

20. Sir A. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many vessels entered or left Bilbao during the past week; and whether any of them were Spanish war vessels?

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Runciman)

I have been asked to reply. According to the information available in the Board of Trade four British vessels left Bilbao during the past week. I cannot give any information as to Spanish war vessels.

Sir A. Sinclair

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any casualties have happened? Have they encountered any mines? If the right hon. Gentleman cannot say that, what evidence has he to show that there are any mines?

Mr. Attlee

Can the right hon. Gentleman say from the knowledge that the Board of Trade has, whether there is some special difficulty which prevents ships entering which does not prevent them leaving?

Mr. Runciman

I Was asked how many ships had entered or left Bilbao and I gave the fullest information I have.

Sir A. Sinclair

Why cannot the right hon. Gentleman answer the question of the Leader of the Opposition? What prevents them from leaving?

21. Mr. R. Acland

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when and in what form, and to whom, were instructions sent that British warships in the neighbourhood of Bilbao were, so far as was reasonably practicable, to accompany up to the limits of Spanish territorial waters any British merchant ship desiring to proceed to Bilbao contrary to the desire of His Majesty's Government; and can he give the text of the instructions?

The First Lord of the Admiralty (Sir Samuel Hoare)

I have been asked to reply. The instructions to His Majesty's ships have, since the beginning of the civil war in Spain, been to the effect that if it comes to the knowledge of a British man-of-war that a British merchant ship is being interfered with on the high seas by a Spanish warship, the British ship is to be afforded protection. No instructions have been issued for British merchant ships to be convoyed up to the limits of Spanish territorial waters, and the second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Mr. Acland

Seeing that I was informed on Friday that instructions had been sent, how does the First Lord reconcile his answer with the answer given to the House on Friday?

Sir S. Hoare

No, Sir. The same instructions have always stood. The instructions were issued some time ago.

Sir A. Sinclair

Is one of these ships entitled to go to the senior naval officer on that station and ask for an escort up to the limits of territorial waters?

Sir S. Hoare

No, Sir. We have never thought it right to give instructions that a ship which has been definitely discouraged from proceeding should receive a convoy. What we have undertaken to do is to protect any ship when it sends a message or when it appears to need protection on the high seas.

Sir A. Sinclair

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the conclusion of the Debate on Wednesday I put that very question to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs? I asked: Is one of these ships entitled to go to the senior naval officer on this station and to ask for an escort up to the limit of territorial waters? It will be within the recollection of the House that the Secretary of State—

Mr. Speaker

This is not the time for debate, but for asking Questions.

Mr. Attlee

In view of these unsatisfactory answers, we shall take the opportunity of raising this matter on the Adjournment to-morrow night.

22. Mr. Acland

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the merchant ship "Mary Llewellyn," or any other British merchant ship has sailed from St. Jean de Luz for Bilbao since Wednesday last; and whether any such ship was accompanied up to the limit of Spanish territorial waters by any British warship?

Sir S. Hoare

The steamship "Marie Llewellyn" left St. Jean de Luz on 15th April for a destination stated to be Gijon. I have received no information that any other British merchant ships have sailed from St. Jean de Luz since Wednesday last. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have just given him.

Mr. Thurtle

Is the First Lord aware that this ship has tried to run the blockade of Bilbao and that the whole Mediterranean fleet is now toasting "Potato Jones"?

Mr. Alexander

Are we to understand from the answer that the Board of Admiralty now admit that they have failed to secure the free passage of British ships under the British flag on the high seas?

Sir S. Hoare

No. The Board of Admiralty is carrying out the policy of the Government as stated in the Debate in this House.

Mr. David Grenfell

Is it not the case that these ships were ordered to St. Jean de Luz and not permitted to go on their normal course to Spanish ports?

Sir S. Hoare

We have no statutory authority at all. We can tell ships whether it is safe to proceed or not.

Mr. Grenfell

Is it not the case that these ships—

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition has given notice to raise this question on the Adjournment to-morrow.

23. Sir A. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether General Franco notified His Majesty's Ambassador at Hendaye that he would resist by force attempts to break his blockade of Bilbao whatever the consequences might be; and on what date this message was received in London?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir. The Military Governor of Irun, acting on instructions from General Franco, informed Sir Henry Chilton on the evening of 9th April that the entrance into Bilbao of four British ships known to be lying in St. Jean de Luz would be resisted by insurgent warships. This information was received in London on the morning of 10th April.

Sir A. Sinclair

If this information was received in London on 10th April that the entrance of ships into Bilbao would be resisted, according to the Press correspondents regardless of consequences, why was not this important fact disclosed with other relevant matter by the Government in the course of the Debate on Wednesday?

Mr. Eden

I really do not know what the right hon. Member means. We made quite clear the fact that we had made a statement to General Franco. What we are dealing with now is a situation of fact, not a situation of threats. General Franco's warning had nothing to do with the decision to which the Government came.

Sir A. Sinclair

Why did not the Government inform the House that they had received this important Note from General Franco, on which they called a special Cabinet meeting last Sunday?

Mr. Eden

I do not wish the right hon. Member to imagine that our action was taken on this Note. It was not.

Colonel Ropner

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that the general opinion in the shipping industry is that the Government are handling successfully a very difficult situation?

24. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the flag officer in His Majesty's ship "Hood" has confirmed the report of His Majesty's Ship "Blanche" that General Franco has established de facto an effective blockade of Bilbao; and whether he has been instructed to verify the declaration of the Bilbao Government that access to the harbour is clear of mines and adequately protected?

Sir S. Hoare

The reports which have been received from the Vice-Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron, in His Majesty's Ship "Hood," read together with the reports received from the other authorities concerned, have confirmed the view that the Spanish insurgent authorities have established an effective de facto blockade of Bilbao. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. Alexander

What information has the First Lord that a blockade has been established? What is the present position of the insurgents' ships? Are they outside the territorial waters? What distance are they from Bilbao?

Sir S. Hoare

I could not answer that question without notice.

Mr. Alexander

May I ask where the information just revealed by the First Lord was obtained?

Sir S. Hoare

From the naval authorities off the north coast of Spain.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

May I ask if a Flag Officer reported by what means this effective blockade is being maintained?

Mr. Noel-Baker

If British ships are furnished protection on the high seas, and if we have yet no solid reasons for believing there are mines, how can there be an effective blockade?

Sir S. Hoare

That raises many of the issues which were discussed last week. It is the view of the naval authorities that an effective blockade exists at any rate at present off the coast of Bilbao.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

As the right hon. Gentleman has received a report from a Flag Officer in the "Hood," may I have an answer to my question—by what means is this effective blockade being maintained?

Sir S. Hoare

By insurgent ships and by mines.

Sir A. Knox

Could not the Opposition be sent to Bilbao to test for themselves whether there is an effective blockade?

25. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have asked General Franco to establish a safety zone for foreign shipping in the port of Bilbao similar to the zones established at Barcelona and Valencia; and, if not, whether it is intended to do so?

Mr. Eden

The present position at Bilbao is not comparable to that at Barcelona or Valencia.

26. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the British steamer "Olavus" left the port of Bilbao on 14th April and that the British steamer "Brinkburn" left Bilbao on 15th April, both laden with iron ore; and whether the protection of British ships was afforded these ships?

Sir S. Hoare

My information is that the steamship "Olavus" left Bilbao on 13th April and the steamship "Brink-burn" on 14th April, both laden with iron ore. So far as I am aware, no attempt is being made by the Spanish insurgent forces to prevent the departure of ships from Bilbao. No requests for assistance were received from either of these ships.

Mr. Creech Jones

How can it be said that there is an effective blockade?

Mr. Alexander

Has any British ship attempted to enter Bilbao?

Sir S. Hoare

I could not say without notice.

37. Mr. Touche

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any report of an incident off the north coast of Spain on 6th April, when two British destroyers answered the call of the British steamer "Thorpehall," which was held up by four insurgent ships; and what action was taken by the British destroyers?

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir. I understand that on 6th April the steamship "Thorpehall" was stopped on the high seas in the vicinity of Bilbao by the Spanish cruiser "Almirante Cervera" and informed that she would not be permitted to enter Bilbao. The "Almirante Cervera" was accompanied by the Spanish armed trawler "Galerna." The steamship "Thorpe-hall" summoned assistance and His Majesty's ships "Blanche" and "Brazen" proceeded to her support. In accordance with the instructions which had been issued by the Admiralty, the Spanish warships were informed that His Majesty's Government could not permit any action against a British ship on the high seas. I understand that subsequently the steamship "Thorpehall" arrived safely at Bilbao.

Mr. Alexander

Why cannot that action be taken in every other instance of a British ship wanting to go to Bilbao?

Sir S. Hoare

That is exactly the action we do take.

Mr. Alexander

Is it not clear that instead of taking that action, the Board of Admiralty turn ships away from those areas?

Sir S. Hoare

We protect ships on the high seas, but make it clear that we cannot protect them in those areas.

38. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make a statement concerning the action of the Spanish insurgent warship "Espana" in stopping the British steamer "Olavus" on the high seas?

Sir S. Hoare

I have received no information that the steamship "Olavus" has been stopped by the Spanish insurgent warship "Espana" on the high seas.

39. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there are in the port of Bilbao the following units of the Spanish Government fleet: three modern destroyers, "Almirante Anteguera," "Ciscar," and "Jose Luis Diez," one submarine of the C class, torpedo boat No. 5, together with a numerous fleet of trawlers, minesweepers, and other auxiliary craft; and whether he has received any reports from officers commanding our own ships as to whether this force is keeping the adjacent territorial waters clear of mines so as to ensure the safety of British shipping?

Sir S. Hoare

The information which I have received does not coincide with the statement contained in the first part of the question. Reports have been received to the effect that up to about a month ago the Spanish authorities had attempted to maintain a swept channel through the minefields into Bilbao. I am unable to say, however, whether they have, in fact, found it possible to continue this operation in face of superior insurgent forces.

Mr. Thurtle

Has the First Lord any more recent information than about a month ago?

Sir S. Hoare

We are constantly receiving information.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Have His Majesty's Government asked the British Consul at Bilbao whether the sweeping operations are being continued, and could he make an inquiry as to whether it is not the case that there are those four ships in the port of Bilbao?

Sir S. Hoare

That is a question for the Foreign Secretary, and I have no doubt he will take note of it.

Mr. Attlee

Could not the right hon. Gentleman get information from those four ships which last week successfully went through the blockade without striking a mine?

Sir S. Hoare

We try to get information from any available source.

Sir A. Sinclair

Has the First Lord any information that these passages, which according to the last information have been cleared, have since been blocked, seeing that ships are steaming through?

Sir S. Hoare

I have given the House the information that I have. I cannot do more than that.

Sir Nairne Stewart Sandeman

Were not these ships safer, for the next fortnight at least, in Bilbao harbour?

15. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher (for Mr. Rowson)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that persons accepted by his Department early in March last to proceed immediately to Spain or Portugal for control services in connection with non-intervention are still awaiting orders to proceed, when orders to commence their duties will be given, how many persons were appointed for such services, and how many have proceeded to duty and how many have not?

Mr. Eden

All persons definitely accepted for service under the British scheme for observation on the Portuguese-Spanish frontier have already left for their posts. The total number of persons so far definitely accepted and appointed for service is 93. Of these, 90 have already reached Portugal, and three are in charge of arrangements in London. It may be necessary to send further observers from this country, and a number of additional applicants have been informed that their names have been placed on the list in case their services should be required. None of this category have been definitely appointed or given any guarantee that they will be so appointed.