§ 1. Commander King-Hallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps are being taken to restore Tangier to its international status?
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)The Tangier International Zone is under a provisional Spanish military occupation. British rights in Tangier are covered by the modus vivendi reached with the Spanish Government early in 1941 about which a full statement was made on 26th February, 1941, by my right hon. Friend the then Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. At present no steps can be taken towards a final settlement since it is not practicable during the war for the signatories of the relevant international instruments to enter into negotiations.
§ Commander King-HallIn view of the fact that the modus vivendi now in force undoubtedly takes away from us our rights in Tangier, is there any reason why we should not get them back again, and need we go on appeasing these people at the present time?
§ Mr. EdenI am sorry that my hon. and gallant Friend should think I am an appeaser, but it is not exactly the position. Under the modus vivendi our rights are fully safeguarded. It is not possible to negotiate with these countries as things are now.
§ Mr. Ivor ThomasWould it not be a wise action on the part of General Franco if he made overtures for the restoration of foreign rights?
§ Commander Locker-LampsonMeanwhile Franco wants watching.