§ 4. Sir D. Savoryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to state what compensation has been obtained for the 356 onslaught on the British-owned church at Seville, when valuable property was destroyed, including hymn-books and prayer-books.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydIn his Note to the Spanish Government of 18th March, Her Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid reserved the right to claim compensation for the damage done. After consultation with the owners of the property, Her Majesty's Ambassador was instructed on 2nd May to present a claim.
§ Sir D. SavoryIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the attack on the Protestant church in Seville was a signal for numerous attacks in other parts of Spain of exactly the same kind, for instance in Badajoz where prayer books and hymn-books were also burned? Will he not make representations to the Spanish Government as to the deplorable impression made in this country by the continued persecution of Protestants?
§ Mr. LloydThose are different matters from those referred to in the Question. With regard to this incident, the Spanish Government expressed regret as to what happened and we are now making further representations about compensation.
§ Mr. Geoffrey BingWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that the Question addressed to him by the hon. Member for Antrim, South (Sir D. Savory) commands universal approval on both sides of the House? Will he represent to the Government of the United States and other Governments the undesirability of including Spain under the present régime in any organisation for defending democracy or the Christian faith?