§ 48. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on how many occasions he has received representations from the Government of the United States of America suggesting that Spain should be admitted to closer military or economic relationship with countries of the Atlantic Pact; and what replies have been sent to such suggestions.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Davies)no representations have been made to His Majesty's Government by the United States Government for closer military and economic relationship between Spain and other countries which are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. As regards the exchanges between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government on this subject, I 954 would refer the hon. Member to the reply of my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 23rd July to the hon. Member for Surrey, East (Mr. Astor).
§ Mr. Gammansdoes not the Government's policy towards Spain mean that they are prepared to endanger the strategic defence of Europe and to create differences with our Allies all for an ideological obsession? Has not the result of this attitude been that Franco has been kept more firmly in his position than would have been the case if we had adopted a more reasonable attitude? Is it not a fact that among Franco's opponents the Prime Minister is regarded as one of Franco's best friends?
§ Mr. Daviesno, Sir. I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's statements. The position of His Majesty's Government was made quite clear during the recent debate on foreign affairs.
§ Mr. Donnellywould not my hon. Friend show a more tolerant attitude towards the Opposition's representations on the question of Spain, as it is now perfectly clear that their policy is "One War Only"?
§ Mr. Mikardowill my hon. Friend take note that, according to hon. Gentlemen opposite, opposition to Fascism is now an ideological obsession?