§ 23. Commander Locker-Lampsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking in view of the Spanish Government's refusal to release Italian ships stationed in Spanish harbours at the request of the new Italian Government.
§ Mr. EdenHis Majesty's Government have given their full support to the Italian Government's request for the release of all Italian ships in Spanish ports. His Majesty's Ambassador has recently been instructed to renew the strong representations he has already made and I have myself left the Spanish Ambassador in no doubt of our views on this subject.
§ Mr. G. StraussCan the Foreign Secretary say how long the ships have been in Spanish ports and whether any success has been achieved by protests or requests to the Spanish Government?
§ Mr. EdenI cannot say exactly. Of course, our interest in this dates from the Italian surrender—from the armistice time.
§ Mr. McGovernIs it not the case that Franco, in all these actions, is simply paying back the Italian Fascist Government for the aid given him during the Spanish war?