HC Deb 19 December 1938 vol 342 cc2453-7
20. Mr. Day

asked the Prime Minister particulars of the number and amounts of the claims put in for the damage done to British merchant vessels, either during the time they were in any Spanish Government ports, or on any voyage to and from same; and what portion of the damage occurred during air raids on Spanish Government ports?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 12th December. No statistics are available on the point raised in the second part of the question.

Mr. Day

Has the hon. Gentleman received any information as to how much of that damage was done by Italian aeroplanes?

Mr. Butler

I do not think it would be possible to give that information.

29. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Prime Minister the number of occasions on which, as reported by the Commission appointed by the British Government last August to investigate air bombardments, bombs have been dropped on non-military objectives; by which combatant have the bombs been dropped; and what action is now proposed to encourage more humane methods of warfare?

Mr. Butler

It would be impossible in my answer to summarise, in the manner suggested, the reports issued by the Commission for the investigation of air bombardments in Spain. I am arranging for copies of these reports, which have already been made public, to he placed in the Library. All the raids reported on by the Commission were carried out by General Franco's forces. Appeals have on several occasions been made to both sides in Spain to practise more humane methods of warfare. His Majesty's Government hope that the publicity given to the Commission's reports will deter both sides from making unjustifiable attacks on civilian populations.

Mr. Shinwell

Is there any allegation that the Republican forces have engaged in attacks on non-military objectives?

Mr. Butler

I am not making accusations, but stating facts.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is it a fact that the Republican forces have made such attacks?

Mr. Butler

I should want notice of that.

Captain A. Graham

Is it not a fact that the entirely peaceful town of Cabra, which contains no military objectives whatever, was bombed by Republican aircraft?

Hon. Members

When?

Captain Graham

Three weeks ago.

Mr. Thurtle

Arising out of the original reply, may I ask the hon. Gentleman, as he says that the Commission reports that the Spanish Government have not committed any of these offences, why he should appeal to the Spanish Government to desist from doing so?

Mr. Butler

All I stated in my reply was that the Spanish Government asked for the Commission to investigate certain raids carried out on their territory. The other side has not asked for the Commission's services. I said no more than that.

Mr. David Grenfell

Would it not be appropriate to direct that question to the Italian and German Governments and ask them to desist from bombing these places?

34. Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government intend to approach the Governments of nations, other than France and Italy, for the purpose of obtaining mediation in the Spanish conflict?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Government will avail themselves of any suitable opportunity for bringing about a suspension of hostilities in co-operation with any other Governments which may wish to do the same.

Mr. Davidson

In view of the fact that certain South American nations and other nations have indicated a desire to take part in some mediatory effort, will not His Majesty's Government make an approach to those nations?

Mr. Butler

In answer to a previous question, I said that the Government would not eliminate any possibilities.

The following question stood upon The Order Paper in the name of Mr. DAVIDSON.

35. To ask the Prime Minister what is the total number of British officers and men of the Mercantile Marine who have been wounded during bombing attacks on British ships engaged in legitimate trade with Government Spain and the number totally incapacitated by their wounds?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

May I ask you a question, Sir, before Question 35 is called? It has always been my experience that there is some little difficulty in getting an adjective accepted at the Table. I would like to know whether the word "legitimate" in this question means a trade which does not infringe the Non-Intervention Pact?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a question for me.

Mr. Butler

Twenty-four officers and men of British nationality are known to have been wounded. In certain other cases the reports received give no indication of nationality. I regret that further particulars are not at present available.

Mr. Davidson

Does that mean that the Foreign Office are unaware that a number of British sailors have been totally in capacitated in carrying out their legitimate trade?

Mr. Butler

In answering the hon. Member's question, I said that I regretted that further particulars on that subject were not at present available.

Mr. Davidson

Does the hon. Gentleman realise—

Mr. Speaker

The Minister has replied to the hon. Member's question.

Mr. Davidson

On a point of Order. I want to submit to you, Sir, that this is a very important question for members of the British Mercantile Marine, and that the information asked for in the question warrants the asking of another supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

That depends upon whether the supplementary questions go beyond the question on the Paper.

Mr. Davidson

I respectfully submit that if you had listened to my supplementary—

Mr. Speaker

Order.

42. Sir P. Harris

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give information that he has in his possession indicating the number of Italians now in Spain engaged on the side of the insurgents; and, if possible, the number of Italian aeroplanes now in that country?

Mr. Butler

I regret that I am not able to give an estimate of the numbers concerned.

Sir P. Harris

Does that really mean that the Foreign Office have no estimate of the number of Italian troops on General Franco's side, or does the hon. Gentleman wish to suppress information because of the effect which it might have?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Baronet must not say that I am suppressing information. It is quite impossible to give the House exact information on this Matter.

Sir P. Harris

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I did not ask for exact information but for an estimate?

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Is it not true that twice as many Italians have been withdrawn from General Franco's side, as other foreigners from the other side?

Mr. Butler

I am aware that a number of Italians have been withdrawn, and I am also aware of the danger of giving an estimate such as the hon. Baronet asks for.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Could Dot the Government give the facts and figures on this subject which appear in the Italian Press?

Mr. Butler

The hon. and gallant Member has access to the Italian Press himself.