§ 5. Mr. Manderasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the occupation of the international zone at Tangier by Spanish troops?
§ Mr. ButlerOn 14th June, the Spanish High Commissioner at Tetuan notified the French Consul-General that, in agreement with the French Government, the Spanish Government intended to occupy Tangier at once. On the same day also His Majesty's Consul-General at Tangier received a note from the Spanish Consul-General stating that the military occupation of Tangier and its zone had been carried out by troops of the Shereefian Mahalla in the name of the Sultan of Morocco, with the exclusive object of securing the strict neutrality of Tangier. It was added that the occupation is of a provisional character, and that all the rights of interested Powers and of the established services in the zone would be respected.
§ Mr. LiddallWill my right hon. Friend recommend his right hon. Friend and the Government to take steps to clear out all Spanish troops from Tangier and so save a much more important and dangerous situation?
§ Mr. Henderson StewartIs the Under-Secretary satisfied that this occupation will in fact preserve the neutrality of that area?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government have been notified by the Spanish Government that they intend to respect the neutrality of Tangier.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we receiving any information from the British Ambassador in Madrid?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. That is why I said that we had been notified. His Majesty's Ambassador is very active.