HC Deb 03 April 1946 vol 421 cc1231-2
19. Mr. Driberģ

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why Don Juan, pretender to the throne of Spain, was recently welcomed on board one of His Majesty's ships at Lisbon with official honours similar to those accorded to the President of the Portuguese Republic.

Mr. Duģdale

My hon. Friend is misinformed. Don Juan was not received or entertained on board any of His Majesty's ships at Lisbon either officially or privately.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear.

Mr. Driberģ

If I send my hon. Friend data which will show him that he has been misinformed by his Department, will he come to the House again and make a statement about this extraordinary business?

Mr. Duģdale

I am afraid I cannot possibly admit that I have been misinformed. A signal was sent to the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, asking him whether in fact Don Juan was received, and he has made careful investigations; Don Juan cannot be found to have been received in any of His Majesty's ships. Whether he went disguised as a newspaper correspondent or otherwise is a different matter.

Mr. Driberģ

It was H.M.S. "Nelson."

Mr. Paton

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why the fact that Don Juan has not been received in a British warship should give so much joy to the Opposition?