HC Deb 06 April 1949 vol 463 c2039
32. Mr. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Mr. Thomas Bates, an official of the British Consulate at Las Palmas, has been ordered by the Spanish Government to leave Spain.

Mr. Mayhew

Mr. Thomas Bates, who was British Consul at Las Palmas, has been transferred from this post at the request of the Spanish Government, who alleged that he had indulged in "hostile activities." His Majesty's Government do not admit the justification for this request. Nevertheless, it was clear that, having regard to the attitude of the Spanish authorities, Mr. Bates would no longer have been able to carry out satisfactorily his duties at a Spanish post. He was, therefore, withdrawn under protest.

Mr. Jeger

Has another British citizen been sent to that post in substitution for Mr. Bates?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir.

Mr. William Teeling

Was Mr. Bates in the Consular Service in Spain during the war?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir.