§ 7. Mr. Gallacherasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a further 750 German military technicians have arrived in Spain recently; that the number of German specialist troops in that country is now estimated at 10,000; and whether he will represent to the German Government the desirability of withdrawing these troops at the earliest moment possible?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government have no confirmation of the figures given 1893 by the hon. Member. The information at their disposal indicates that preparations were being made for the majority of the German fighting forces in Spain to leave immediately after the Victory Parade, and for the remainder to leave within a short period.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennIn view of the answer, will the right hon. Gentleman call to mind the number of times that in this House it was denied that there were any German troops in Spain?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, I have not said that.
§ Mr. GallacherIs there any official guarantee that these troops are to be taken out, and will the heavy German guns be taken out, too?
§ Mr. ButlerI can give no specific guarantee. I can only give the information at our disposal.
§ Mr. GallacherBut will the heavy German guns be taken out as well?
§ 8. Mr. Pritt (for Miss Wilkinson)asked the Prime Minister whether the question of the treatment of Republican soldiers and their officers and supporters of the Republican Government in Spain and the treatment of refugees sent back into Spain from France will be raised by the British representative at the Council meeting of the League of Nations?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.
§ 9. Mr. Pritt (for Miss Wilkinson)asked the Prime Minister what reports he has received regarding the digging of trenches by Spaniards at La Linea and on the neutral zone between Spain and Gibraltar?
§ Mr. ButlerReports received last week stated that a trench was being constructed in the Spanish neutral zone.