HC Deb 23 February 1938 vol 332 cc329-30
2. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Salamanca authorities have replied to the British note of protest against attacks on British shipping?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. A communication has now been received from the Salamanca authorities, the terms of which cannot be regarded as satisfactory by His Majesty's Government. The reply which is to be returned to this communication is at present under consideration, and I should prefer not to make a statement until it has been communicated to General Franco's Administration.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Are His Majesty's Government prepared to distrain on money or property held in this country by the Salamanca authorities in the event of no satisfactory reply being received?

The Prime Minister

I think we had better await the time when that contingency arises.

Sir Percy Harris

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what are the terms of the statement received from General Franco?

The Prime Minister

I cannot say more at the present time than that we did not consider the terms satisfactory.

Forward to