HC Deb 03 March 1938 vol 332 cc1295-6W
Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to represent to the Italian Government that the presence of Italian troops in Spain is at variance with the clause in the British-Italian Agreement of February, 1937, binding both countries to maintain the status quo in the Mediterranean?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. The clause of the Anglo-Italian Declaration of 2nd January, 1937, to which no doubt reference is made, is that under which His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government disclaim any desire to modify or, so far as they are concerned, to see modified the status quo as regards national sovereignty of territories in the Mediterranean area. I think hon. Members will agree that the mere presence of Italian troops in Spain can hardly be said to entail a modification of the status quo as regards the national sovereignty of Spain.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether the German and Italian acceptances of the British formula for withdrawal of foreign troops from Spain are unconditional?

Mr. Butler

The question of the withdrawal of foreign volunteers from Spain is one part only of the British plan of 14th July last, in the elaboration of which the Non-intervention Committee are engaged. Acceptance by any Government of any particular point in that plan is accordingly always subject to agreement being reached on all the other points.

Miss Rathbone

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet confirmed the report from Gibraltar concerning the speech delivered last Sunday by General Queipo de Llano on the outskirts of Gibraltar declaring that Gibraltar would soon be delivered back to Spain, and containing violent anti-British propaganda; and whether any representations on the subject have now been made to the insurgent authorities?

Mr. Butler

A report on this matter has now been received from the Governor of Gibraltar which gives every reason for thinking that the General's speech has been incorrectly reported. My information is that no suggestion was made that Gibraltar should become Spanish territory.