HC Deb 26 February 1937 vol 320 cc2345-6
Mr. Attlee

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the crew of the British steamer "Lenaria" at Boston, Massachusetts, have refused to load a cargo of nitrates consigned to the Spanish insurgents and whether he will give instructions to the British Consul to support the crew in their action?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Viscount Cranborne)

The answer to the first part of the question is Yes, Sir. I understand, however, that nitrate is not on the list of commodities prohibited by the. Non-Intervention Committee, and that the carriage of nitrate on British ships to Spain is not prohibited under the Merchant Shipping (Carriage to Spain) Act. There are, therefore, no grounds on which His Majesty's Government could intervene.

Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Noble Lord whether in any event trading with insurgents who are rebelling against a constitutional Government is an act which should be countenanced by a friendly Power like ourselves?

Viscount Cranborne

That is a very much wider question. I must see it on the Paper.

Mr. Attlee

Here we have British subjects exercising their right not to assist the enemies of a friendly Power, a Power which is in the League of Nations whom, therefore, we are bound to protect and assist against any aggression, and I am asking what in that case is the position of sailors who are asked to load supplies which are obviously war supplies?

Viscount Cranborne

I can only give the same answer. The right hon. Gentleman is now raising a much wider issue. If he wishes to raise that wider issue it cannot be done on a Private Notice question at very short notice. If he wishes to put it down, my right hon. Friend will no doubt be glad to give him an answer.

Mr. Attlee

What action does the British Consul propose to take in the matter and what instructions has he got?

Viscount Cranborne

He will take no action in the matter. I have already explained that the carriage of nitrate on British ships to Spain is not prohibited under the Merchant Shipping Act.