HC Deb 15 December 1936 vol 318 cc2293-5W
Mr. GARRO JONES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British and French Governments have made any proposals to other Governments with a view to terminating the Spanish rebellion; what is the nature of those proposals; and the response, if any, thereto?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The cost of the transfer forms issued free to the public in the period from 1st April, 1936, to 30th September, 1936, was approximately £475.

The following table shows (a) for each Stock Exchange the effect over the same period of the operation of Section 42 of the Finance Act, 1920, as amended by the Finance Act, 1931, and (b) the aggregate total from the 1st September, 1920, when that section came into operation, to 30th September, 1936.

Mr. EDEN

As has already been made public, His Majesty's Government and the French Government have recently exchanged views on the situation created by the prolongation of the civil war in Spain and the dangers to European peace involved thereby. Having established the identity of their views in this respect the two Governments asked the Governments of Germany, Italy, Portugal, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 4th December to join with them in declaring their absolute determination to renounce forthwith all direct or indirect action which might be calculated to lead to foreign intervention in relation to the conflict in Spain, and, as a consequence, to address to their Representatives on the London Committee appropriate instructions with a view to the organisation of a fully effective control. The four Governments were also invited to join His Majesty's Government and the French Government in a spirit of humanity in an endeavour to end the conflict in Spain by means of an offer of mediation with the object of enabling that country to give united expression to its national will.

The replies of the four Governments have now been received. The Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have given their support to the proposals and the German and Italian Governments, whilst doubtful of the successful outcome of the proposals for mediation, have expressed their readiness to examine any proposals which the other Governments may formulate and to participate in their eventual realisation. The reply of the Portuguese Government, whilst indicating the difficulties foreseen by that Government, states that if both parties in Spain desire mediation, they will be glad to study the form it should take.