HC Deb 01 June 1937 vol 324 cc862-4
Mr. Attlee

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any further statement regarding the situation arising out of the events at Ibiza and Almeria?

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

The German Government have decided to take no further part in the naval patrol of the Spanish coasts or in the discussions of the Non-Intervention Committee, so long as they have not received sure guarantees against the repetition of such occurrences as the bombing of the "Deutschland." A similar decision has been taken by the Italian Government. I understand, however, as the outcome of inquiries I have made, that these Governments regard the international scheme of observation as still applicable to them in every respect, with the exception of their participation in the naval patrol. The situation was considered yesterday at a meeting of the Chairman's Sub-Committee, which was not attended by the German or Italian representatives. The representatives present indicated that they proposed to report the situation to their respective Governments and requested the Chairman to summon a further meeting as soon as he thought that it would be advisable.

His Majesty's Government have expressed their deep regret at the decision taken by the German and Italian Governments. They will continue to do their utmost to prevent any aggravation of the present situation. They are in constant consultation with other Governments on this subject with a view to considering what steps can most usefully be taken to restore the situation. The House will, I feel sure, appreciate that it is not possible for me to go into greater detail at present.

Mr. Attlee

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the question of bringing this matter before the League of Nations in order to consider the facts of these events being established, and also to consider what looks like a possible act of aggression on the part of these Powers?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir. Naturally the Government have considered all these aspects of the question, and I note that the Spanish Government themselves, in a statement which they made to the League yesterday, did not ask for an early meeting of the Council. While the Government are ready to co-operate in any work to which both parties would agree, I would be reluctant to pledge myself to any individual action in view of the present position taken by both parties.

Mr. Attlee

May I ask whether His Majesty's Government have expressed their sympathy to the Spanish people in the loss of lives of women and children?

Mr. Eden

I think the House appreciated from what I said yesterday that we regretted what had happened to the "Deutschland" and we regretted also w hat had happened to Almeria.

Mr. Bellenger

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say whether this bombardment of Almeria is an act of war, and in view of its possible wide repercussions, particularly as far as this country is concerned, will he not make on an early day an explicit statement of the Government's attitude?

Mr. Garro Jones

Have any steps been taken to fill the gap in the coastline which has been left unobserved by the withdrawal of Germany and Italy?

Mr. Eden

Obviously that is one of the questions that has to he examined. It is one of the many problems raised by this very unhappy event.

Mr. Alexander

Do we understand that for the time being those parts of the coast are left unpatrolled?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir.