HC Deb 20 May 1954 vol 527 cc2288-90
47. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Prime Minister in what circumstances cession of Gibraltar to Spain in return for her assistance in the late war was promised.

51. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Prime Minister if he will publish the exact terms of the promises he made to return Gibraltar to Spain.

The Prime Minister

No promises to cede Gibraltar to Spain were made during the late war.

Mr. Davies

While thanking the Prime Minister for that answer, may I ask if his attention has been drawn to a recent article which appeared in "Arriba," a Spanish paper, and which is attributed to General Franco himself, in which it was stated that Gibraltar was promised to be returned to Spain—

Mr. Follick

What does my hon. Friend mean—"returned"?

Mr. Davies

—if Spain remained neutral during the war? Will he take steps to give instructions to our ambassador in Madrid to make representations to the Spanish Government against these inaccurate statements and the distortion of history.

The Prime Minister

I have seen the article and heard of the source to which it was attributed, but the facts are as stated in my answer.

50. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister if he will publish in HANSARD the full text of the note dated 26th June, 1940, sent by him to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with regard to the status of Gibraltar.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Henderson

Will not the Prime Minister agree that the tone of this minute completely refutes the allegation made, by those who speak for the Spanish Government, that there has been a breach of faith on the part of Her Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, I do agree with that.

Following is the information: