43. Miss Rathboneasked the Prime Minister whether diplomatic or other action has been taken to meet the threat of General Franco's announcement in his address to the officers of his Army, Navy and Air Force, on 17th July, that it was Spain's duty to obtain command of Gibraltar and expansion in Africa?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)There has, I think, been some misconception regarding General Franco's statement on this occasion. After a historical reference to the greatness of Spain under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, he went on to refer to the political testament of Queen Isabella as including what he termed:
the bequest of Gibraltar, the vision of Africa, and political unity; political bequests which, after four centuries, still endured as an eternal obligation.Due note has been taken of this statement. But His Majesty's Government do 1210 not regard it as involving a fresh departure in Spanish policy. Accordingly no special action appears to be called for.
Miss RathboneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the importance attached in Rome to this and how the Romans have been glorying over the fact that if the Republicans had won the Spanish war Gibraltar would have been assured to Britain and Spanish minerals would have been safe for Britain?
§ Mr. DenvilleOn a point of Order. Is there any possibility of preventing these dangerous Questions? Is the hon. Lady aware that she is giving great publicity value to the Spanish Press?