HC Deb 25 November 1953 vol 521 cc356-7
43. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations he has had with the United States Government regarding the participation of Spain in Western Defence plans.

Mr. Eden

The United States Government kept us continuously informed regarding their negotiations for the recent United States Spanish bases agreement.

Mr. Warbey

In any further discussions with the United States Government on this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the United States the view widely held in this country that any participation of Franco's Government in Western Defence, either through the front door of N.A.T.O. or through the back door, is regarded with abhorrence and makes a mockery of the view of N.A.T.O. that we are fighting for a democratic cause?

Mr. Eden

Her Majesty's Government saw no reason for objecting to the conclusion of this arrangement, and, on the contrary, I should have thought that the House would have felt that the existence of other bases besides those in this country would not be entirely disadvantageous to this country.