HC Deb 15 February 1938 vol 331 cc1725-6W
Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the bombardment of Algiers in 1836 was successful in ending piracy. His Majesty's Government will consider adopting some similar form of action against Palma, in Majorca, which houses at present both the submarines and aeroplanes which carry on the present piracy?

Mr. Eden

I am confident that the measures taken by His Majesty's Government in conjunction with certain other Governments for preventing attacks on shipping in the Mediterranean, as explained in my statement on 7th February, will prove effective.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an expression of thanks is being conveyed to the Spanish Government in respect of Spanish aid rendered on the occasion of the sinking of the steamship "Alcira"?

Mr. Eden

The reports received of the sinking of the "Alcira" mention that the ship's boat was assisted to reach Barcelona, where it arrived about 4½ hours after the bombing, by local fishermen. I feel sure that the House will join me in expressing our appreciation of the timely help thus rendered to the crew of the sunk vessel.