HC Deb 23 February 1944 vol 397 cc807-9
11. Mr. Martin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that letters to British subjects in Spain are subject to a German censorship; and whether he can give any reasons for such action.

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir. I am aware that a number of letters sent from this country to Spain have been censored in Germany; but I have no evidence that this is due to other than accidental mis-sorting. In response to inquiries made by His Majesty's Ambassador, the Spanish Government have undertaken to take all possible steps to prevent such mistakes.

Mr. Martin

Would my right hon. Friend say where the sorting takes place?

Mr. Law

As far as we know, this sorting must take place in Spain.

Mr. Shinwell

But if the sorting of the letters takes place in Spain of letters sent from this country, surely it is not the Germans who are responsible but the Spanish authorities?

Mr. Law

No, Sir. I think the hon. Member has misunderstood the tenor of my reply. The mis-sorting is that letters which should be delivered in Spain are sent to Germany. The hon. Member must realise that everything is not as efficient as the General Post Office here.

Mr. Martin

I am sorry to pursue the matter further, but could the right hon. Gentleman say where mis-sorting takes place? Is it in this country, in Portugal, in Spain, or where?

Mr. Law

As far as we know, the mis-sorting takes place in Spain.

Mr. Woodburn

Surely it is strange that, letters going from this country, certainly not addressed to Germany, should be delivered to Germany by the Spanish authorities; and is this mis-sorting accidental or on purpose?

Mr. Law

As I have said, we have no evidence to show that it is anything but accidental. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Yes, indeed, and the Spanish Government have undertaken to take all possible steps to prevent a recurrence.

Mr. Shinwell

Can we be assured that if that undertaking is not respected in the near future, and if any more accidental mis-sortings take place, we shall take prompt action with the Spanish Government? Can we have that assurance?

Mr. Law

I can give the hon. Member the assurance that we shall, of course, take any action that is open to us.