HC Deb 13 November 1940 vol 365 cc1678-80
4. Mr. Cocks

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on the position at Tangier?

7. Mr. Mander

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to state the situation in the international zone of Tangier caused by recent acts of the Spanish Government?

Mr. Butler

On 3rd November the Officer Commanding the Spanish troops in Tangier published a notice stating that by reason of the present situation the Committee of Control, the Legislative Assembly, and the Mixed Bureau of Information would cease to function and that he himself would take charge of the Zone of Tangier under the title of Governor and as delegate of the Spanish High Commissioner in Morocco. On 5th November His Majesty's Ambassador at. Madrid was instructed to record a formal protest in regard to this Spanish action undertaken without any consultation with the other Governments interested in the International Régime, and to reserve all the rights of His Majesty's Government under the international instruments of 1923 and 1928, which govern the international administration and provide for the neutrality of the Tangier Zone. It is understood that the majority of the other Governments concerned in the International Régime at Tangier have also lodged protests with the Spanish Government. His Majesty's Government appreciate the importance of Spanish interests at Tangier, as was shown by their attitude in regard to the occupation of the Zone by Spanish military forces last June. His Majesty's Ambassador has been instructed to make it clear to the Spanish Government that His Majesty's Government attach great importance to the maintenance of the neutrality of the Zone, and to the avoidance of any action which might be harmful to British interests. I understand that the component parts of the Tangier Administration, apart from the International Gendarmerie, have continued to function as usual under the direct supervision of the Officer Commanding the Spanish troops.

Mr. Cocks

Is it not of great importance to His Majesty's Government that Tangier should remain neutral and unfortified, and do the Government propose to take every action to see that it remains so?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Ambassador has already been instructed to make this clear to the Spanish Government, and he has stressed the importance we attach to the neutrality of the zone. The great importance of my hon. Friend's observations is fully realised by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Mander

Has any explanation been received by His Majesty's Ambassador in Madrid as to this high-handed unilateral act of aggression, and will he press for some explanation at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Ambassador has seen the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, and in due course it will no doubt be possible to obtain a further explanation as to the Spanish action.

Mr. Cocks

Does my right hon. Friend realise the great importance which Tangier would have as a fortified naval base?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether an undamaged fugitive submarine is still sheltering there?

Mr. Butler

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government will draw the attention of the Spanish Government to the great difficulty of our allowing the continuance of oil supplies to a foreign Government which violates British rights and allows her harbours to be used by enemy craft in violation of international law?

Mr. Butler

My hon. Friend can rest assured that the importance of these matters is realised. There have already been interchanges between the two Governments concerned.

Mr. Maxton

Had His Majesty's Government a diplomatic representative in the international zone at the time of the incident, and had His Majesty's Government any advance information about it?

Mr. Butler

The answer to the first part of that question is in the affirmative and to the second in the negative. There was a Consul-General in Tangier.

Mr. Maxton

Was the Consul-General aware in advance?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Consul-General is always wide awake, but no previous information was given to him of the intended Spanish action.

Mr. Cocks

I do not think the answer is satisfactory, and accordingly I wish to give notice that I propose to raise the matter upon the Adjournment. I should like to do that today, if that suits your convenience, Mr. Speaker, and that of the right hon. Gentleman.