SPAIN.

HC Deb 03 April 1939 vol 345 cc2428-30

9. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Prime Minister what steps are being taken to ensure the immunity of ships sent by the International Relief Commission against the possibility of hostile action by the new Spanish Government?

Mr. Butler

I am informed that the Commission has received the necessary assurances from the Spanish Government.

Mr. Wedgwood Benn

Is it not a fact that the Foreign Office wrote in respect of one of these ships—the "Stanland," of Manchester—that the moment the cargo was discharged their immunity ceased?

Mr. Butler

I do not think the communication was as simple as that. But I will let the right hon. Gentleman have a copy.

Mr. Benn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put the same question last week, and that he then asked for time to consider it?

Mr. Butler

Yes: I have looked into it. That is why I describe the question as not representing the full terms of the message sent. But I will communicate with the right hon. Gentleman about it.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is this immunity being accorded to ships bringing away political refugees?

Mr. Butler

That is another question, on which I shall want notice.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is it not a question of the utmost importance; and cannot the right hon. Gentleman promise a statement if I put down a question on Wednesday?

Mr. Butler

Certainly.

Mr. Benn

But is not that the very point on which the Foreign Office said they had no immunity?

12. Sir Nairne Stewart Sandeman

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to send foodships to aid the distress in Spain?

Mr. Butler

The International Relief Commission, to which substantial grants have been made from time to time by His Majesty's Government, has recently despatched large quantities of foodstuffs to Spain for the relief of the distress among refugees. Three ships chartered by the Commission for delivery of foodstuffs have already reached Valencia, and four further ships with large cargoes are now on the way. His Majesty's Government are considering what more they can do to help in the relief of the civil population, but I have no further statement to make on the subject to-day.

Miss Rathbone

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the foodstuffs sent to Spain have been sent by relief organisations in sympathy with the late Republican Government; and is it not time that the body of opinion represented by the hon. Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Sir N. Stewart Sandeman) did its share in sending relief?

16. Mr. David Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether an account is being prepared for the loss and damage to British life and property by the forces of General Franco; and when it is expected that this will be submitted to him and published?

Mr. Butler

All claims submitted for loss and damage to British life and property caused by either side during the hostilities in Spain are in process of examination by the Foreign Office. Those found to be valid will be presented in due course. It has not in the past been customary to publish a list of claims submitted.

Mr. Adams

Has the Minister any information as to when these accounts will be rendered?

Mr. Butler

I cannot give an exact date.

18. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister the present position with regard to the work of the Non-intervention Committee; when its activities will cease; and what countries have paid subscriptions during the last six months, and the amount?

Mr. Butler

The scheme for the observation of the Spanish frontiers and the Non-intervention Board, which was responsible for the running of this scheme, have now been brought to an end. I understand that the Non-intervention Committee have not yet fixed a date for their formal dissolution. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 28th November last.

Mr. Mander

Would not this be a very appropriate moment to abandon the work of the committee altogether, in view of the Government's decision to abandon the policy of non-intervention in Europe?

Mr. A. Henderson

Can the Undersecretary say how much this committee has cost this country?

Mr. Butler

I will make inquiries.

21. Mr. Banfield

asked the Prime Minister whether he has completed his inquiries regarding the establishment of German-controlled air and submarine bases in Spain along the Pyrenean borders and from the port of Pasajes on the western coast down to the Canary Islands; and whether he will now make representations to General Franco with regard to this matter?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 13th February to my hon. Friend, the Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams), to which I have nothing to add.