8. Mr. Vyvyan Adamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the vital interest of Great Britain in the integrity of the Spanish soil and in the security of passage through the Straits of Gibraltar, he can say what further progress is being made towards the withdrawal of foreign troops from Spain?
§ Viscount CranborneAt its meeting held on 4th November the Non-Intervention Committee authorised His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to communicate to the two parties in Spain, 5 on behalf of the Committee, the resolution adopted on that date and relating to His Majesty's Government's proposals of 14th July on the subject of the withdrawal of non-Spanish nationals, the grant of belligerent rights and the question of supervision, with the object of obtaining the agreement of the two parties to the resolution as a whole. His Majesty's Government were invited at the same time to make clear to them the attitude and intentions of the various Governments in regard to the several parts of the resolution. This request has been complied with, and the replies are now awaited. Since the date above-mentioned and in anticipation of these replies, I understand that substantial progress has been made in informal discussions between the representatives of the countries principally concerned as regards the numerous technical arrangements which will have to be completed before the proposals can be put into operation.
Vice-Admiral TaylorCan my Noble Friend state how the presence of Italian troops in Spain can affect the security of the passage of the Straits of Gibraltar?
Duchess of AthollDoes not my Noble Friend remember that at the recent meeting of the League Assembly at Geneva our representative supported a resolution calling for the immediate and complete withdrawal of volunteers from Spain, without any granting of belligerent rights, and is this resolution of the Non-Intervention Committee consistent with the Geneva resolution?
§ Viscount CranborneThere was no discrepancy between the July proposals and the resolution at Geneva. The whole object of the resolution was to obtain the rapid and complete withdrawal of non-Spanish troops from Spain.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennDoes not the resolution say that if they were not withdrawn, the frontier would be opened after a brief delay?
§ Viscount CranborneThe point is that we are trying to get them withdrawn.
§ Major-General Sir Alfred KnoxWhich is the Loyalist cause?
§ 12. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an estimate of the strength of the international brigades fighting in support of the Republican Government of Spain, and the nationality of the combatants?
§ Viscount CranborneNo means yet exist for making such an estimate. My hon. and gallant Friend will, however, be aware that, on the recommendation of the Non-Intervention Committee, an approach has recently been made to both parties in Spain with a view to obtaining their consent, among other things, to the appointment of two commissions, one to be sent to each party. One of the first duties of these commissions would be to estimate the total number of all persons engaged in the conflict who are of non-Spanish nationality or who were of non-Spanish nationality at its outbreak, with a view to their being withdrawn.
§ Sir A. KnoxHave any replies been received from the Republican Government in Spain to that letter?
§ Viscount CranborneSo far as I am aware, a reply has not been received from either body.
§ Mr. HannahDo Moors count as Spaniards or not?
§ 13. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the number of Spanish refugees who have been repatriated this year from France, and as to the number who have asked to return to territory controlled by the Republican and Nationalist Governments, respectively?
§ Viscount CranborneVarious figures have been mentioned in the Press, but my right hon. Friend has received no authoritative information concerning the totals involved.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not true that a great number of these refugees elected to return to General Franco's territory?
§ Viscount CranborneCertain reference to that question was made by my right 7 hon. Friend in his speech on 1st November, but the figures there were taken from Press figures and were not authoritative.
Mr. V. AdamsDoes my Noble Friend recognise what is described in the question as the Nationalist Government?
§ 16. Mr. H. G. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the recognition of General Franco's Government by Germany and Italy, he will consider its recognition also by this country, so as to ensure that General Franco's diplomatic relationships shall not be confined to countries under dictatorship?
§ Viscount CranborneI would refer my hon. Friend to the very full statements made in this House by my right hon. Friend on 8th November in regard to the relations of His Majesty's Government with General Franco's administration, to which I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. WilliamsWould it not be helpful to the cause of peace if General Franco had an opportunity of appreciating to the full the advantages of democratic government?