§ 34. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the anxiety and resentment caused to the many British subjects living in the Spanish town of La Linea, in view of the strained relations between Spain and Gibraltar, by the radio broadcast at the official request of our Vice-Consul at La Linea calling upon British subjects residing in that city to go to the consulate on a matter of great importance; and if he will make a statement giving the reasons for this action.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyThe purpose of the meeting of local British residents at the Vice-Consulate was to discuss subscription to a relief fund in aid of the victims of the recent Valencia floods. Her Majesty's Vice-Consul sought the cooperation of the Spanish radio and the local Spanish newspaper in order to ensure that all local British residents were informed. I am not aware of any anxiety or resentment caused to this community.
§ Mr. DoddsWhat cheek! Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that over a period of two or three days La Linea radio, at the request of the Vice-Consul, asked these British citizens to go to the Vice-Consulate and that, in view of the strained relations, this caused panic and distress? If he doubts it, will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries in Gibraltar where there is a lot of disgust that Her Majesty's Government are absolutely spineless when dealing with Spain and at their failure to protect British subjects?
§ Mr. HarveyIf it is a question of cheek, the hon. Member is guilty of it by suggesting that British subjects would get into a panic on a subject like this. There is no evidence with regard to any strained relations. The present observations of the hon. Gentleman are much more likely to cause ill-feeling than anything which has to date occurred.