§ 13. Mr. Cocksasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have now obtained a report on the attack on the steamship "Stanwold" by an armed insurgent trawler in the Straits of Gibraltar; and whether he can make a statement on the matter?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. According to a report now received from the Naval authorities, the master of the steamship "Stanwold" stated that he was interrogated by an armed trawler in General Franco's service on 22nd June when approximately eight miles south-west of Europa Point. He signalled the ship's name but apparently did not reply to further questions, whereupon the trawler signalled to him to halt and fired one round of blank, without, however, attempting further to enforce compliance with this order or otherwise interfering with the steamship "Stanwold."
§ Mr. ButlerThe information we have received from our naval authorities informs me that the ammunition was blank.
§ Mr. G. StraussAre there not constant attempts by these armed trawlers in the Straits of Gibraltar to interfere with British ships going about their legitimate trade?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir, that is not our information.