§ 9. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he will assure the House that, in view of the changed military situation in Spain, His Majesty's Government do not contemplate recognising the Spanish insurgent authorities as the de facto or de jure Government of Spain?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)It would, obviously, be impossible for me to give such an assurance as the hon. Member asks for in a situation which is 1341 changing very rapidly. I may say, however, that His Majesty's Government, who are in close touch with the French Government, have taken no decision as yet on the matter.
§ Mr. CocksIn view of the fact that the Republican Government is a member of the League of Nations, will His Majesty's Government consult the League before action is taken which may cause great resentment among great masses of the British people and render all hope of national unity an impossibility?
§ Mr. A. HendersonWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the House itself will be consulted before any such fundamental change in policy is made?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, the Government must take the responsibility.
§ Mr. AttleeMay I ask the Prime Minister whether, inasmuch as he has said that he would not grant belligerent rights to General Franco while support was still being given and Italian troops were present in Spain, that will also apply to any de jure recognition of the Spanish Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI think I should understand the right hon. Gentleman's question better if he put it down.
§ Mr. HendersonIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Prime Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek to move the Adjournment of the House at the end of Questions, in order to raise this matter.
11. Mr. Vyvyan Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the magnitude of German aerial and naval preparations in the Basque country and Galicia; and whether he proposes to make any representations on the matter to Berlin?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. The information in my Noble Friend's possession does not confirm the accuracy of reports which have been circulated regarding such preparations.
Mr. AdamsIf I furnish my right hon. Friend with further evidence, will he find time to consider it?
§ Mr. ButlerI shall certainly consider any evidence which the hon. Gentleman puts before me.
§ Mr. R. GibsonHave the Government received any guarantee with regard to Germany's evacuation of Spain at the conclusion of hostilities?
§ Mr. ButlerI must have notice of that question.
§ 13. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Prime Minister whether he has been informed by the French Government of the results of the interviews between M. Leon Bérard and General Jordana on the subject of the retention of foreign troops in Spain?
§ Mr. ButlerAs M. Bérard's mission was an unofficial one, I am not able to make a statement on the subject. The hon. and gallant Member may, however, rest assured that there is the closest contact between His Majesty's Government and the French Government on all matters concerning the Spanish situation.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherDo the Government propose to make any representations to the French Government about this matter, in view of the important bearing it has on the recognition of General Franco?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. and gallant Gentleman's question and his supplementary question both refer to a mission which was unofficial, and I regret that I can give no further information about it.
§ Brigadier-General Sir Henry CroftHas my right hon. Friend any information about the 11th, 13th and 15th International Brigades which were fighting in the last week of January, months after Mussolini had declared that the last Italian troops had left Spain?
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs it not the case that M. Bérard has reported directly to the French Government; and is it accurate, therefore, to describe the mission as unofficial?
§ Mr. ButlerI can only give the hon. and gallant Gentleman the information in my possession, which is that the mission is unofficial.
§ Captain McEwenIs it not a fact, according to Press reports, that the mission has been a great success?
§ 18. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement 1343 on the despatch of His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" to Minorca carrying as passenger a representative of General Franco?
§ 29. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Prime Minister upon what representations the decision to send His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" to Minorca with a representative of General Franco was taken; whether the Spanish Government was informed of the action being taken, and whether the action was taken in consultation with the French Government?
§ 30. Miss Wilkinsonasked the Prime Minister why General Franco's envoy to Minorca to demand the surrender of the island was sent in a British ship, which gave rise to a widespread impression that Britain was backing the demand for surrender?
§ The Prime MinisterAt the request of the local authorities in Palma, His Majesty's Government undertook to convey a senior officer to Minorca in order that he might negotiate for the peaceful surrender of that island. His Majesty's Government had previously been informed that unless they could make negotiation possible by providing means of communication, an attack would be launched on Minorca. Thereupon, seeing that a British ship provided the only available means of making peaceable contact with Minorca, and being anxious that unnecessary bloodshed should be avoided, the offer of the services of His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" was made. His Majesty's Government consulted neither the Spanish Government nor the Burgos authorities, though the local authorities at Palma were, it is understood, in touch with General Franco. The French Government, who were kept fully informed, approved the action of His Majesty's Government. His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" duly proceeded to Minorca, and it is understood that the surrender of the island has now taken place. His Majesty's Government have taken no part in the negotiations and have no responsibility for them. His Majesty's Ship "Devonshire" has taken the opportunity of embarking some 450 refugees who considered that they might run a risk of reprisals. These refugees have now been landed at Marseilles, in co-operation with the French authorities.
§ Mr. HendersonDo His Majesty's Government propose to make any representations to the Italian Government, in view of the fact that at least six air attacks were made on the island of Minorca by Italian squadrons during the time that the "Devonshire" was there?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, but representations have been made to General Franco's Government.
§ Mr. AttleeCan the right hon. Gentleman give us no further information with regard to this bombing? We understand from the Prime Minister that the "Devonshire" was sent in order to avoid bloodshed, and that it was done at the request of the authorities on General Franco's side, and has he no explanation as to how it came about that attacks were made at that time?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps I had better read the telegram which was received from our Consul at Palma on the subject. It says:
The Nationalist senior naval officer who takes charge of things in Admiral Moreno's absence authorises me to quote him as stating officially that the bombardment of Port Mahon was in disobedience of orders and is very much regretted. He has promised a written reply on Monday, and I will telegraph contents.
§ Mr. AttleeCan the right hon. Gentleman say why no contact was made with the Republican authorities, seeing that the right hon. Gentleman is against intervention? Was not this a form of intervention?
§ The Prime MinisterAt the time it would have been very difficult to find the Spanish Government. They were scattered about in different parts of Spain, and as we were anxious to avoid bloodshed, it was necessary to act quickly.
§ Miss WilkinsonDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the mere fact that General Franco's envoy was taken in a British ship would give added prestige to that envoy and would give to the authorities in Minorca the idea that the British Government as well was demanding the surrender of Minorca, and does he consider that that is part of non-intervention?
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware that that is the view of the hon. Lady—
§ The Prime Minister—but the position of His Majesty's Government was made perfectly clear, and I do not think there was any misunderstanding about it.
§ Sir Archibald SinclairHas the right hon. Gentleman received any assurances from the Italian Government that no Italian troops will land on the island of Minorca, and that no Italian ships will use Port Mahon?
§ The Prime MinisterNo specific assurance has been given recently on that subject, but, of course, the general assurances of which the House is aware still stand.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIn view of the difficulty of communicating with the Spanish Government, was any communication made to the Spanish Ambassador in London, as a matter of courtesy?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerDo not the general guarantees given by the Italian Government about Minorca apply also to Majorca, and in view of the fact that Italian planes and ships have been using Majorca for a long time, would it not be desirable to ask for a specific guarantee with regard to Minorca now?
§ Commander MarsdenWill there be any opportunity for this House to show to the captain and ship's company of the "Devonshire" its great appreciation of the efficient way in which they have carried out their duty?
§ Sir A. SinclairIf that is done, will there be an opportunity for the House to show that it shares the indignation of the Admiral at the action of the Italian aeroplanes in bombing the place during the time when the negotiations were going on?
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherDoes not the fact that Minorca was bombed by Italian aircraft while these negotiations were in progress dispose once for all of the contention that these Italian aircraft are under the control of General Franco and not under the control of Signor Mussolini?
§ The Prime MinisterI have given the telegram which was received from our Consul at Palma, and I do not think I can add anything to it.
§ Mr. ThurtleCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the "Devonshire" took off all the refugees from Minorca who wished to leave that island?
§ The Prime MinisterI could not say without notice.
§ Sir H. CroftIf my right hon. Friend ever gets an application from the Republican Government in Madrid or elsewhere for a message of peace, will he grant facilities for that emissary to go?
§ The Prime MinisterWe shall do everything we can to assist in avoiding bloodshed.
§ 19. Miss Wilkinsonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large number of General Franco's supporters who, as refugees, were given protection in the British Consulate in the early days of General Franco's rebellion, and who were later assisted to leave Spain on British vessels, he will now, in the interests of impartiality, see that instructions are given for leaders of the Spanish Government to be offered the same service in case of need?
§ Mr. ButlerWhile I cannot agree that the position as regards the sheltering of refugees in British Consulates has been as stated in the hon. Member's question, I can say that such facilities as have previously been given for the evacuation of Spanish subjects of both sides in His Majesty's ships will, if circumstances permit, continue to be granted.
§ Miss WilkinsonDo I understand from the first part of the reply that the right hon. Gentleman has no statement or report from the British Consul about Franco refugees who were fed and kept in the British Consulate? There is no secret about it; has not the right hon. Gentleman any report?
§ Mr. ButlerI gave the hon. Lady the information in my possession. I will certainly look into any information she may place before me.
§ Miss WilkinsonSurely the right hon. Gentleman remembers that I gave him information 13 months ago?
§ Mr. ButlerI was not in office 13 months ago.
§ 20. Miss Wilkinsonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the appalling conditions of Spanish refugees in France, 1347 he will make arrangements to send food, technical, medical, and other assistance to help in dealing with the problem; and whether he proposes to give a larger amount of money than so far has been given by the British Government?
28. Miss Rathboneasked the Prime Minister how much of the grants, totalling £40,000, promised by His Majesty's Government to the International Commission for Child Refugees in Spain has been paid over; and whether, in view of the great increase in the need, His Majesty's Government will make further grants, and will also assist the French Government in the task of coping with the great number of refugees from Spain by sending such supplies of food, medical and other necessaries, camp equipment, medical and nursing personnel, as may be required?
§ Mr. ButlerFollowing consultation with the French Government, His Majesty's Government decided that they could most effectively contribute towards meeting the immediate needs of the refugees in question by means of a further grant to the International Commission for the Assistance of Child Refugees. They accordingly contributed £20,000 last month and they have now contributed a further £40,000; and they are prepared, if the need still exists, to contribute a further £40,000 on or after 31st March, thus bringing their total contribution since the beginning of the present year up to £100,000. His Majesty's Government will also be ready at any time to give careful consideration to any request received from the French Government for assistance in other forms.
§ Miss WilkinsonIn view of the fact that there are nearly half a million refugees on French soil and that they are directly due to the Government's policy of non-intervention—[Interruption.]
Miss RathboneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that reports from those on the spot in the neighbourhood of the French frontier last week were to the effect that there was a deplorable lack of medical necessaries and personnel, as a result of which many people died, and could he not initiate, if the French Government approved, some action on the part of the Red Cross with the support of the Government so that supplies can be sent? What is the Red Cross for if it is never on the spot?
§ Mr. G. StraussWhy is the last gift of money only to be sent on or after 31st March when the need is so great?
§ Mr. HannahHave the Russian Government made any contribution?
§ Mr. ButlerThe need in the south of France is obviously most urgent, and the Government are fully aware of it. We understand that our recent gift of money, which has just been given, has been much appreciated by the International Commission, and I hope that it will encourage other Governments to give further contributions. Contributions depend on other Governments besides ours, and I am sure that if the need becomes more urgent His Majesty's Government will give further consideration to all the points that have been put.
§ 21. Mr. G. Straussasked the Prime Minister how many British boats have been detained or searched by the Spanish insurgent authorities since the beginning of the year?
§ Mr. ButlerOne, Sir.
27. Miss Rathboneasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied from the report of the International Commission that the Spanish Government has carried out its voluntary undertaking last July to dispense with its foreign volunteers; how many of these have hitherto been evacuated from Spain; how many remain; and whether he will give an assurance that steps will be taken to ensure that all those still in Spain will be repatriated or enabled to reach places of safety under conditions not less favourable than they would have been entitled to under the British plan adopted by the Non-Intervention Committee if General Franco's refusal had not prevented it coming into operation?
§ Mr. ButlerI would refer the hon. Lady to the resolution adopted in January by the Council of the League of Nations. As further groups of volunteers are still being evacuated, I cannot give any totals beyond those already communicated to the House pending the receipt of a further report from the League Commission. While His Majesty's Government will do all they can to obtain the evacuation of the remaining volunteers under the most favourable conditions possible, I am unable to give any assurance on a matter which depends largely on the actions of other Governments.
Miss RathboneWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly reply to that part of the question which asks whether the International Commission's report has satisfied the Government that the Spanish Government have honourably carried out their undertakings?
§ Mr. ButlerI would refer the hon. Lady to my Noble Friend's remarks at Geneva.
§ Sir H. CroftIs there any truth in the rumour that 30,000 reservists of a certain friendly State received an amnesty because they were in Spain?
§ Mr. ButlerI have no information on that.