HC Deb 27 July 1938 vol 338 cc3112-3W
Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the composition of the commission to be sent to France for the purpose of investigating the bombing of civilian populations in Spain; the date of its departure; and whether any requests have yet been made for its services by either party in Spain?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day to the hon. Member for the Combined English Universities (Miss Rathbone), of which I am sending him a copy.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister what action has been taken by the Non-Intervention Committee on information that raids on Spanish ports are being carried out by Italian aeroplanes leaving from and returning to Rome?

Mr. Butler

I understand that the Non-Intervention Committee has not received any information of this nature.

Mr. Cocks

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government has any information, or will make inquiries, as to whether any of the Italian forces operating in Spain are serving members of the royal Italian army or air force?

Mr. Butler

I have no doubt that some of the Italian forces in question have been members of the Italian army and air force. His Majesty's Government are not, however, aware of the status of such persons while they are in Spain, and are not prepared to make the suggested inquiries.

Dr. Summerskill

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received information about the landing of 10,000 Italian troops at Vinaroz on Friday, 15th July; and whether he will make representations to the Italian Government to prevent further intervention?

Mr. Butler

As I informed the hon. Lady in the course of yesterday's Debate, my Noble Friend has received reliable reports concerning the landing at Vinaroz of certain shipments of local Spanish troops from Majorca. The total numbers in question appear to have been between five and six thousand, of which 1,500 are reported to have landed on the date in question. I have no information which would confirm the hon. Lady's statement about the landing of Italian troops.