§ Mr. PURBRICKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what provisions exist to limit or prevent the passage through the Dardanelles of ships conveying arms and munitions, thereby becoming auxiliary naval vessels as defined in clause six of 270W annex two of the Montreux Convention; will the Government make representations to see that such provisions are strictly adhered to in respect of ships from Russia conveying arms and munitions to the Communist party in Spain; will the Government ascertain whether the proper notices required under Article 13 of the Convention have been and will be given to the Turkish Government of the passage of all such vessels; and whether the other conditions under that article are being strictly adhered to?
§ Mr. EDENThere is nothing in the Montreux Convention to limit or prevent the passage through the Straits of vessels conveying arms or munitions as such, unless these arms or munitions are carried in vessels of war or naval auxiliary vessels as defined in the Convention, in which case the limitations and restrictions laid down in Section II become applicable. The fact that a vessel is carrying arms or munitions does not of itself make her a naval auxiliary vessel. His Majesty's Government have no reason to suppose that the terms of the Convention, including the provision of Article 13, are not being faithfully carried out.