HC Deb 28 July 1947 vol 441 c32
72. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has made to representations from the Spanish Government regarding the exclusion of Spain from the Paris Conference on European recovery.

Mr. Mayhew

The only representation received from the Spanish Government on this question has been a formal protest against the use made of the name of Spain in connection with a question in which she had not asked to intervene. No reply was returned to this protest.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will my hon. Friend assure the House that the Government will take every opportunity of making it clear to the Spanish Government that until their regime changes, His Majesty's Government will resist the inclusion of Spain in any European or international agreement with which we are connected, and that as soon as democracy has been restored in Spain, economic aid will be forthcoming to that country with our help?

Mr. Mayhew

Spain has, in fact, been outlawed by a resolution by the United Nations, and we accept that resolution.

Mr. Derek Walker-Smith

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the petulant discourtesy suggested by some of his hon. Friends is never part of an effective foreign policy?

Mr. Eric Fletcher

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the Government of the United States have not raised any objection to the exclusion of Spain from these discussions?

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