HC Deb 15 June 1938 vol 337 cc195-6
10. Miss Wilkinson

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the Government's protest against the bombing of the civilian populations in Spain, he is now prepared to put anti-aircraft guns on the list of permitted goods for export to Spain, with a view to preventing a recurrence of this bombing?

The Prime Minister

As my hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker) on 23rd March, any such alteration in the list of prohibited war material as is suggested by the hon. Member could not be undertaken by His Majesty's Government alone, and they do not think that any such proposal would be likely to receive general acceptance by the members of the Non-Intervention Committee.

Miss Wilkinson

When the right hon. Gentleman says "general acceptance," does that mean that this cannot be done without the concurrence of the very nations that are engaged in that bombing?

The Prime Minister

I do not think it could be done without the concurrence of all the members of the Non-Intervention Committee.

Miss Wilkinson

Does that mean that it cannot be done without Germany and Italy, who are bombing these women and children, agreeing to the export to Spain of anti-aircraft guns that are themselves completely inoffensive weapons?

The Prime Minister

I cannot accept that description of what is going on.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the fact that German and Italian aircraft are now machine-gunning refugees on the road to Valencia, is there not an even stronger case than before for allowing these weapons to go in?