HC Deb 20 September 1948 vol 456 c494
29. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider approaching the Spanish Government on the subject of joint air defence in case of aggression by a third Power.

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir.

Mr. Teeling

Can the hon. Gentleman assure us that with regard to the future every effort will be made by this country to make sure that Western Europe is properly defended in case of attack, and that no personal or party reasons will be used which will mean that Spain would not be asked to support us?

Mr. Mayhew

I assure the hon. Member that we shall take all the necessary steps and that no personal or party considerations will -come into account.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Will the hon. Gentleman remember in regard to Spain that where there are olives there are also olive branches?

Mr. Warbey

Will my hon. Friend also bear in mind that the Right Wing Spanish Socialist leader, Senor Prieto, stated that in the event of war the Spanish people would fight against any Government which supported Franco?