HC Deb 22 September 1943 vol 392 cc176-8
9. Mr. Hewlett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will define our present attitude towards the Spanish occupation of Tangier?

16. Mr. Ivor Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now prepared to take action, in concert with the French Committee for National Liberation, with the object of restoring the international zone at Tangier?

17. Mr. Martin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to open negotiations with the Spanish Government for the restoration of the international status of Tangier; and whether he can give an assurance that conditions in the Tangier Zone are to-day as favourable to the interests of the United Nations and their nationals as before the occupation by the Spanish Government?

Mr. Eden

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have always made it clear that the modus vivendi reached between them and the Spanish Government early in 1941, the terms of which were summarised in a statement by the then Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 26th February, 1941, was of a provisional nature pending the possibility of a final settlement, and that it was without prejudice to our own rights or to those of third parties under the relevant international instruments. They have always maintained their protest against the original unilateral action of the Spanish Government in the Tangier Zone. Under this modus vivendi British rights in that Zone have been and are fully safeguarded.

His Majesty's Government are, however, keeping the situation at Tangier under constant review and it is their intention to put forward at the first suitable opportunity for the consideration of other interested parties, proposals for the future of the Zone. In view of the present international situation and of the position of some of those parties it is not, however, practicable to open the necessary negotiations now.

Meanwhile, His Majesty's Government have informed the Spanish Government that they are bound to take a serious view of the use of the Zone by the German Consul-General and by German nationals for unneutral activities directed against British interests. They have requested the Spanish Government to put an end to these abuses and to ensure the maintenance of the strict neutrality of the Zone, which the Spanish Government declared in June, 1940, to be the exclusive object of the Spanish occupation.

Mr. G. Strauss

Is the reply of General Franco to that request satisfactory or is it still being considered?

Mr. Eden

It was not a communication with General Franco himself. That was a communication I had with the Spanish Ambassador. I think I would rather leave the matter where it is at the moment.

Mr. George Griffiths

The right hon. Gentleman is not going to be too hard, is he, on this great Christian gentleman, Franco?