HC Deb 14 June 1938 vol 337 cc70-1W
Mr. Grenfell

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the situation in Spain?

Mr. Butler

Further progress has been made with a proposal that a small independent international commission shall be set up to report on aerial bombardments at the request of either party in Spain. I hope shortly to be able to make a statement on this matter. Proposals put forward by the Spanish Government for the appointment of an international commission in connection with the exchange of prisoners are at present under consideration.

Mr. V. Adams

asked the Prime Minister what reply he has had to his representations to the Spanish insurgent authorities protesting against the deliberate attack by insurgent aircraft upon shipping flying the British flag?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to await the statement which I propose to make at the end of questions.

Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement respecting the attempts at mediation in Spain; whether he has received communications concerning this either from the Spanish Government or the insurgent authorities; and whether His Majesty's Government have taken, or will be taking, any steps in the direction of mediation?

The Prime Minister

No proposal of this nature has been received by His Majesty's Government either from the Spanish Government or from the authorities at Burgos, but His Majesty's Government will continue to watch the situation and they will be ready to propose mediation either alone or in conjunction with other countries at any time when the prospects of successful action appear favourable.

Mr. Acland

asked the Prime Minister whether any British ship has been damaged in Spanish territorial waters since 1st June?

Mr. Butler

The following ships have been sunk or damaged as a result of air bombardment in Spanish ports since 1st June: at Alicante the steamships "Maryad," "Saint Winifred," "English Tanker" and "Thorpehaven"; at Valencia the steamship "Thurston"; at Gandia a dredger and at Castellon the "Isadora."