HC Deb 29 January 1941 vol 368 cc535-7
9 and 10. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, in view of the fact that the status of Tangier is governed by an International Convention, that this Convention has been violated by the Spanish Government, and that His Majesty's Government have protested against this action, he will state what explanation the Spanish Government have given for this deliberate breach of an international agreement;

(2) whether he will inform the Spanish Government that, unless they conform to the Statute of Tangier, which they solemnly pledged themselves to uphold, His Majesty's Government, while reserving their freedom to take action at Tangier itself in defence of British interests and the sanctity of international engagements, will suspend the operation of the various economic and financial measures they have recently taken for the advantage and assistance of Spain?

Mr. Butler

I will, with permission, answer these Questions together.

Mr. Cocks

I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman insists upon doing that. If he does, I will agree, but No. 10 seems to me to deal with a different matter.

Mr. Butler

I think it would be more convenient to answer the two Questions together. During his conversations with His Majesty's Ambassador, and in public, the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs has given various explanations of the action of the Spanish Government. His principal claim has been that the situation at Tangier was potentially dangerous so long as several belligerent Powers were among those responsible for the control of the international Zone, and that therefore the Spanish action was necessary to safeguard not only Spanish interests but also the interests of peace. As the House has already been informed, His Majesty's Government, while reserving all their rights under the relevant instruments, have embarked on the negotiation of a provisional arrangement concerning British rights and interests in the Zone, pending a final settlement. The progress of the discussions with the Spanish Government gives grounds for hoping that a satisfactory provisional solution may be found. Meanwhile, I have nothing further to add in reply to the hon. Member's Questions.

Mr. Cocks

Does the first part of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that the whole question of the international status of Tangier will stand over for a term of years, say, until after the war?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. The situation remains as stated by my right hon. Friend last week, namely, that we have reserved our rights, under the relevant instrument, and that, meanwhile, we are attempting to negotiate a provisional arrangement.

Mr. Cocks

Are we not going to press our rights at the present moment? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware by now of the folly of trying to appease Fascist dictators?

Mr. Butler

I think we have learned that all right. We want to negotiate a provisional arrangement about Tangier which will look after the rights of British citizens.

Mr. Mander

Is the question of the reinstatement of British subjects who have been dismissed from their posts included in the negotiations?

Mr. Butler

The whole question of the position of British subjects and of the officials concerned has been included in the negotiations.

Mr. Mander

In the meantime, are we feeding the Spaniards?

Mr. Butler

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "feeding the Spaniards."

Mr. Mander

Supplying wheat from America?

Mr. Butler

There has been a purchase made out of outstanding balances for wheat, and that has been paid for by Spain.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the proposed provisional arrangement prevent in the future such breaches of international law as the presence of Italian submarines in Tangier not long ago?

Mr. Butler

The question of the Italian submarines was cleared up. This agreement is to deal with the position in the Zone.