HC Deb 19 July 1938 vol 338 cc1977-8
31. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for War what reports have recently been received as to the existence of long-range batteries in the vicinity of Algeciras and on the African coast opposite Gibraltar; whether such guns are of German manufacture; and whether such batteries are under the control of German officers?

Sir V. Warrender

Later information which has been received confirms the statement made in the course of Debate by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence on 27th July last. With regard to the second part of the question I would refer to the answers given by my right hon. Friend on 2nd November last. In reply to the third part, I have no evidence to show that the guns are controlled by German officers.

Mr. Henderson

Is the Minister aware that this question was raised in this House three weeks ago by the Noble Lady the Member for Kinross and Western (Duchess of Atholl); and is the House to understand that no inquiries have been made by the Government following the allegations that were made in that question?

Sir V. Warrender

I think I should have to see the question.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Has any information been received since the date of the original reply?

Sir V. Warrender

We are constantly receiving information.

Mr. Henderson

Might not the House be given the information that the hon. Gentleman has received?

Sir V. Warrender

I have given the House all the information at my disposal and I have said that further information has been received confirming the previous information.

58. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of consulting with the French Government on the grave danger to Franco-British communications in time of war arising from the fixing of German guns on both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar and the possible coercion of Portugal to join a German alliance in the event of General Franco's victory in Spain?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

The hon. Member can rest assured that His Majesty's Government are in frequent consultation with the French Government on all important developments arising out of the civil war in Spain.

Mr. Mander

Is it the case that the document recently published by the "News Chronicle" dealing with this is engaging the serious consideration of the Department at the present time?

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