§ 55. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 968 what grounds six British vessels have been impounded by Spanish coastguard officials; and what action he proposes to take with the Spanish Government to secure that the owners should be compensated and that similar acts should not be repeated in the future.
Mr. McNeilThe vessels concerned, which are British registered, have been detained rather than impounded by the Spanish authorities. I understand that they are suspected of carrying contraband cargoes, and that the cargo manifests of one were not in order. There is evidence, however, that two of the vessels at least were outside the three-mile limit of Spanish territorial waters at the time of their arrest. Under instructions from my right hon. Friend, His Majesty's Embassy on 13th June informed the Spanish Government that in His Majesty's Government's view they had no right to arrest British ships outside the three-mile limit. The Embassy also asked for an assurance that similar incidents would be avoided in the future, and have been instructed to press for the release of those vessels which were arrested outside Spanish territorial waters. The question of compensation will be considered if and when it arises.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeHas there so far been any reply from the Spanish Government to this protest?
§ Air-Commodore HarveyAs this happened on 13th June, what are His Majesty's Government going to do to get these vessels released; and are they going to tolerate this treatment from Franco?
Mr. McNeilI am certain that the hon. and gallant Gentleman can depend upon this Government not to be feeble in their attitude towards the Franco Government.