HC Deb 03 June 1937 vol 324 cc1172-3
69. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the German bombardment of Almeria is a breach of the Kellogg Pact, he will consider approaching the signatories of that Pact with a view to joint representations to Germany against a repetition?

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

No, Sir. In the present difficult situation it has been the object of His Majesty's Government to prevent by all means in their power the breakdown of the policy of non-intervention in the Spanish struggle, and to avert the very grave situation which would arise if such a breakdown resulted in a renewed influx of foreigners into Spain for the purpose of taking part in the struggle. His Majesty's Government, therefore, consider that the essential aim should be that full international co-operation in the work of the Non-Intervention Committee and the scheme of naval observation of the Spanish coasts should be restored with the least possible delay. With this aim in view His Majesty's Government communicated last night to the Governments concerned proposals which, it is hoped, may provide adequate guarantees against the recurrence of incidents such as those which brought about the existing situation. It is our hope that the proposals in question will enable the policy of non-intervention to be fully resumed by all the Governments concerned. His Majesty's Government attach the more importance to such a development since they are anxious to make progress as fast as possible with the question of the withdrawal of foreign combatants in Spain. They regard this matter as urgent, and hope that in an atmosphere of renewed international collaboration it may be possible to continue to work for agreement on this subject.

Mr. Mander

While appreciating what the Noble Lord has said, has there not, in fact, been a clear breach of the undertaking given by the present German Government never to seek the solution of international disputes except by pacific means?

Viscount Cranborne

I have always admired the hon. Gentleman's principles, but I am not so certain about his wisdom.

Mr. Sandys

Was the bombing of the German battleship by Spanish aircraft in complete conformity with the Kellogg Pact?

Mr. Bellenger

Is it the opinion of His Majesty's Government that, in view of incidents of this nature, the Kellogg Pact has no further validity?