HC Deb 09 May 1938 vol 335 cc1216-9
6. Captain Ramsay

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that branches of the Russian cheka have for a considerable time been in effective control not only of the Barcelona and Valencia Governments' courts and prisons, but the international and republican troops as well; and will he bring this fact to the attention of the Non-Intervention Committee?

Mr. Butler

The information in my possession does not confirm the facts given by my hon. and gallant Friend. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Captain Ramsay

If the hon. Member has any doubts on the matter may I pass to him a pamphlet based on first-hand information, written by the hon. Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern), and agreed to by all his friends?

Mr. Gallacher

One is as big a "blether "as the other.

Mr. Montague

Has the Prime Minister been informed of an informative article on this subject in the "News Chronicle" this morning?

Mr. Butler

The Prime Minister is always well informed and is prepared to study all materials given to him by hon. Members in all parts of the House.

7. Miss Rathbone

asked the Prime Minister whether the following German and Italian vessels leaving for Spanish ports carried non-intervention observers on board and whether any reports concerning them were received by the Nonintervention Committee: the German steamship "Spezia," which left Hamburg on 4th March bound for Musel; the German steamship "Schurbeck," which left Antwerp on l0th March bound for Malaga; the German liner "Kulmerland," which passed through the Suez Canal on 13th March bound for Huelva; the Italian steamship "Franca Fassio," which left Genoa on 7th March bound for Seville; and the Italian steamship "Gradisca," which called at Cadiz between 22nd and 25th March?

Mr. Butler

I understand from inquiries addressed to the Non-Intervention Board that the "Spezia," "Schurbeck "and" Franca Fassio "all embarked observing officers who reported that no breaches of the Non-Intervention Agreement had occurred. The "Kulmerland" passed through the Suez Canal on the date mentioned, but it is clear from the stages of her voyage that she could not have called at a Spanish port. The "Gradisca" could not have called at Cadiz within the dates mentioned, since I am informed that she did not leave Naples till 29th March. She did, however, reach Cadiz on 4th April, having previously embarked an observing officer at Gibraltar, who reported that no breach of the Non-Intervention Agreement had taken place.

11. Captain Ramsay

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that at least one British citizen has been shot in a prison in Barcelona; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. But if my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with any information in his possession, I will undertake to make inquiries.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Under-Secretary consider sending the hon. and gallant Member to investigate this matter?

Captain Ramsay

Is not that quite unnecessary seeing that we have confirmation by the hon. Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern)?

14. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the declaration of policy recently made by the Spanish Prime Minister, Dr. Negrin; and whether His Majesty's Government will seek to secure peace in Spain on the basis of such terms?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

I have seen the declaration to which the hon. Member refers. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government are prepared at any time, at the request of either of the contending parties, to lend their offices with a view to securing agreement between those parties for a settlement of the conflict, but it would not be in accordance with their policy to attempt to impose any particular settlement on either side.

Brigadier-General Sir Henry Croft

Is it not a fact that since the change of policy from Senor Prieto to Dr. Negrin, there have been 500 executions in Barcelona, and would not a joint note from democratic Governments—

Mr. Speaker

That question does not arise on this question.

Sir H. Croft

May I respectfully ask whether this change of policy since the new Prime Minister came in—

Mr. Speaker

The question refers to a declaration of policy.

15. Mr. Parker

asked the Prime Minister when His Majesty's Government propose to present their claims for compensation to the Spanish insurgent Government for British lives lost since the Nyon Agreement?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Government are examining such claims with a view to their presentation at the first suitable opportunity.

Mr. Acland

Is not this a change of policy as compared with the declaration that in the case of the Burgos Government they must be presented after the conclusion of hostilities?

Mr. Butler

It is a question which is the best time. While His Majesty's Government consider that it is best to wait until the conclusion of hostilities, that does not prevent their taking advantage of earlier opportunities which seem favourable.

Mr. Acland

What is wrong with the present moment for presenting these claims?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Member can rely on the discretion of His Majesty's Government.

16. Mr. Parker

asked the Prime Minister how long it is since His Majesty's Government presented a claim for compensation in connection with the eight British lives lost before the Nyon Agreement, when His Majesty's ship "Hunter" struck a mine; and when they anticipate payment will take place?

Mr. Butler

The Burgos authorities were informed on 25th November, 1937, of the approximate capital sum required to compensate the dependants of those killed and those injured in the explosion. The Burgos authorities subsequently denied that the mine responsible for the damage was laid by their vessels, but the British Agent was instructed to reply that His Majesty's Government could not accept this contention and must maintain their claims. It is not at present the intention of His Majesty's Government to present a final claim for compensation in respect of those killed and those injured to the Burgos authorities until the final cost of repairing the damage of His Majesty's ship "Hunter" herself is known, for which a claim is also being made. The dependants of the men concerned have already been accorded the compensation to which they are entitled under the Naval Regulations applicable to death on active service, and upon which His Majesty's Government's claim in this particular is based.