HC Deb 31 January 1939 vol 343 cc41-2
65. Mr. Grenfell

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the situation in Spain?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to await the statement which will be made during the course of this afternoon's Debate.

Mr. Grenfell

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate making some announcement regarding the immense quantity of German war material shipped to and landed in Northern Spain in recent weeks, and, in particular, the formidable war fortifications built in the harbour of Vigo, in Northern Spain? Should not some explanation of that wide departure from the Pact of Non-intervention be made known to this House?

The Prime Minister

That matter will be referred to later.

67. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister the present position in relation to the withdrawal of foreign volunteers from Spain, as provided in the Non-intervention Agreement of July, 1937?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

The withdrawal plan agreed upon by the Nonintervention Committee on 5th July, 1938, has not yet been accepted by General Franco's administration, and until such acceptance is forthcoming it cannot come into operation.

Mr. Davidson

Will the Government try and use their influence to make him accept it?

Mr. Butler

The Government are always desirous of seeing foreign nationals withdrawn.

Mr. Davidson

Do they realise that their influence counts for very little now in the affairs of international politics?

69. Miss Wilkinson

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make regarding the granting of belligerent rights to the insurgent forces in Spain?

Mr. Butler

I have nothing to add to the reply given on 21st November last to the hon. Members for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker) and East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby).

Miss Wilkinson

Do I understand that the Government are not contemplating granting belligerent rights to General Franco?

Mr. Butler

I have referred the hon. Lady to the answer which was given on 21st November.

Miss Wilkinson

The hon. Lady did not ask that question. The hon. Lady is asking, on this particular date, this particular question, and would like an answer as to what the situation is now.

Mr. Petherick

Is it not contrary to all international law and precedent that belligerent rights should be refused to General Franco?