HC Deb 22 February 1954 vol 524 cc16-7
31. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, in view of the decision that ships of the Royal Navy should not make courtesy visits to Spanish ports, the Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet paid a courtesy visit to the Military Governor of Algeciras on 16th February.

Mr. Eden

I see no reason why ceremonious calls of this nature, which are in accordance with custom, should not take place as usual.

Mr. Davies

Does the Foreign Secretary appreciate that, following the firm action taken in deciding that the Royal Navy should not visit the Spanish ports, there was a diminution in the agitation regarding Gibraltar, but that that action is now weakened by the step taken in starting the visits again, and that there has been a recurrence in the Spanish Press of this agitation?

Mr. Eden

I can hardly imagine that the fact that the Commander-in-Chief has called on the Governor of Algeciras will have had all that international repercussion.

Mr. Davies

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the statement in the Spanish Press over the week-end, that the visit of Her Majesty to Gibraltar is likely to be cancelled, is incorrect, and will he deny it?

Mr. Eden

It is certainly entirely incorrect, but while I have to come back to some responsibilities, I hope they will not include having to answer for the Spanish Press.