HC Deb 24 May 1944 vol 400 cc717-8
7. Mr. Vernon Bartlett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the German Consulate in Tangier has now been closed down; and what precautions are being taken against the transfer of its staff and activities to the neighbouring territory of Spanish Morocco.

8. Mr. Edgar Granville

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the members of the German Legation and other Nazi agents have now left Tangier.

Mr. Eden

His Majesty's Consul-General at Tangier has reported that the Spanish authorities had arranged for the German Consulate-General to be finally closed yesterday. Nine members of the staff were due to leave Tangier to-day and the repatriation of the whole staff should be completed very shortly. Four German agents have already left Tangier in the past few days and arrangements are being made for the early departure of other agents. The recent agreement with the Spanish Government expressly provides for the departure of the German Consular staff and of German agents from Spanish-controlled territory (which of course includes Spanish Morocco) and also from metropolitan Spain.

Mr. Bartlett

Is it quite clear that, when the Germans are sent out of Spanish territory back to Germany, they cannot be replaced by other people doing the same sort of job?

Mr. Eden

It is clear that they cannot be replaced in Tangier.

Mr. Granville

In view of the emphasis that the right hon. Gentleman placed on the time, when the first agreement was made, and also in view of the statement of the Secretary of State for War about impending military operations, if there is any doubt about getting them away, is there any reason why the United Nations should not send troops to remove these Nazi spies from the International Settlement?

Mr. Eden

I think the arrangement is going rather well. These people either have been or are being removed. I do not feel dissatisfied with the progress. If I did, I should make representations accordingly.

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Is not my right hon. Friend entirely satisfied that the Spanish Government are loyally carrying out their undertakings?