HC Deb 01 December 1952 vol 508 cc1085-6
11. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what reasons Her Majesty's Government has agreed to modifications of the 1945 French-British Agreement on Tangier; and what these modifications are.

Mr. Nutting

Since 1945 experience has shown that the arrangements then made should be revised, and discussions have been taking place between the members of the Committee of Control, in accordance with Article 8 of the 1945 Agreement. Agreement has been reached in the Committee of Control on certain administrative reforms which the Committee consider to be desirable for the more efficient functioning of the International Administration. The Sultan has, however, not yet signified his approval of these reforms.

Mr. Davies

Is the Minister aware that, as far as I understand, in 1945 General Franco was excluded from the administration of Tangier because of the unilateral action he took in occupying the zone? Could he say to what extent the position has altered since then to cause us to change our view in regard to allowing General Franco to take over the administration now?

Mr. Nutting

We are not allowing any particular nation or individual to take over the administration of Tangier. I have said that the amendments in the Agreement, which have been agreed by the Committee of Control and submitted to the Sultan for his approval, are designed to make the International Administration more workable and to make it more of an International Administration.

Mr. Davies

But is it not a fact that the Franco regime will now participate in the administration whereas this was not the case before, and could the Under-Secretary say whether he is satisfied about the legality of the action now being taken?

Mr. Nutting

I am satisfied as to the legality of the action now being taken, because it has been approved unanimously by the Committee of Control. As to the exclusion of General Franco from the administration, the Spanish regime was not excluded from this administration in the 1928 Agreement and we have gone back to that position in order to get this administration on a more international basis.