§ 1. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister the terms of the communications which passed between His Majesty's Government and the French Government concerning the offer of the Spanish Government during the recent crisis to make the River Ebro available as a base of operations, and the island of Minorca as a friendly naval base, to France and her associates?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, no such offer was made, and, therefore, no communications on the subject have passed between them and the French Government.
§ Mr. ManderDid not the Government take the trouble to make inquiries from the Spanish or French Governments as to what their attitude would be?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Member asked me a question, and I said I was not aware of any such suggestion.
§ Mr. ManderDid not the Spanish Government make it clear that they would be whole-heartedly on our side in the event of hostilities?
17. Mr. J. J. Davidsonasked the Prime Minister whether reports received from His Majesty's representatives in Spain contain information on the activities of German technicians on or near the Mediterranean coast or Northern Spain; and, if so, will such information be available to Members of the House?
§ Mr. ButlerReports from His Majesty's representatives are frequently received by my Noble Friend, but they must of their nature remain confidential.
Mr. DavidsonWhile recognising that such reports may be confidential, may I ask whether they indicate Italian cooperation with German technicians in their activities, and, if so, will such activities be liable to be discussed under Annexe 2 of the Anglo-Italian Agreement?
§ Mr. ButlerI appreciate the anxiety of the hon. Member with regard to this information, and I will certainly examine the point he put to me, which is one of some detail.
§ Mr. LeachCan the hon. Gentleman say why his Department are worse informed than the Press on this matter?
§ Mr. Herbert MorrisonApart from detail, cannot the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether Italian intervention is still proceeding? Surely that is simple information?
§ Mr. ButlerBut that is not the question on the Paper.
§ Mr. ManderIs it not the case that nothing must be done to upset the dictators in any way?
18. Mr. Davidsonasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have recently made representations to both sides in Spain with a view to obtaining a settlement of the Spanish dispute?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.
Mr. DavidsonIn view of the fact that it was generally understood that the Anglo-Italian Agreement was ratified because of the settlement of the Spanish dispute, can the Under-Secretary indicate why His Majesty's Government have made no such approach?
§ Mr. ButlerAs the hon. Member knows, His Majesty's Government are only too anxious to see an end to this dispute, but they have not found a suitable opportunity for taking a step of the kind which the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. SpeakerWe must get on with the questions.
§ Mr. Neil MacleanThis is only the second supplementary question on this point.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWhen it becomes necessary to diminish the number of supplementary questions asked, has it not always been the tradition of the House to draw the line at the second supplementary question, and that every hon. Member has by long tradition and practice been entitled to ask two supplementary questions?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe number of supplementary questions to be asked must be left to my discretion.