§ 2.45 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, when it is anticipated that it will be possible to adopt a realistic policy with regard to our relations with Spain.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD HENDER-SON)My Lords, I cannot admit that the policy of His Majesty's Government has been unrealistic. His Majesty's Government have loyally followed the recommendations of the United Nations Assembly in regard to Spain. The Assembly on November 4 confirmed the resolution voted by the Political Committee to the effect that Member States should have freedom of action in regard to their diplomatic representation in Madrid, and that Spain should no longer 202 be debarred from membership of United Nations Agencies. His Majesty's Government will now consider their position in the light of the Assembly's decision.
§ EARL HOWEMy Lords, does the noble Lord think that it was a realistic attitude on the part of the Government not to vote on this question? Was it due to the fact that His Majesty's Government had no views or no policy? Do His Majesty's Government consider it realistic to maintain Embassies in Roumania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Moscow, where their staffs are often subjected to grave indignities, and at the same time not io have any views about Spain?
LORD SALTOUNIn view of the fact that in the past five years His Majesty's Government have said, loudly and clearly, that they do not approve of General Franco's Government, will they now accept the fact that their views have now been noted and, at the same time, consider how far essential British national interests may be prejudiced by a repetition of something which must have been sufficiently heard already?
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, I have already said that His Majesty's Government are considering their position in the light of the Assembly's decision. As regards the various prints raised by the noble Earl. I would point out that Australia, Denmark, France, India, New Zealand. Norway, Sweden and other countries, also abstained on the vote. So I think we are in very good company The reason why we pursued in the past the policy to which the noble Earl has referred was explained in great detail by the noble and learned Viscount on the Woolsack in the debate on the Address last week.
§ EARL HOWEYes. but may I ask the noble Lord this question: As America has found it possible to change her attitude, why was it that His Majesty's Government could not find it possible to change their attitude? May I further ask the noble Lord: Is it His Majesty's Government's intention now to appoint an Ambassador to Spain?
§ LORD HENDERSONI have already answered that question in the original answer—namely, that His Majesty's Government will now consider their position in the light of the Assembly's decision.