asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can obtain from His Majesty's agent with General Franco any information as to executions at Bilbao?

I am informed that a number of executions have taken place at Bilbao since the insurgent occupation of that town, but it is naturally impossible to obtain exact figures. His Majesty's Government have strongly represented to the contending parties in Spain the desirability of refraining from further executions in order to avoid prejudicing the prospects of negotiations for a general exchange of prisoners and other detained persons which, as the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware, are at present in progress. At the same time the British Agent at Salamanca recently received an assurance that the Basque prisoners who are at present the object of negotiations between the contending parties were in no danger.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received similar information from the other side?

Yes, Sir. We are in constant touch with both sides in order that the exchange may be carried through, and in the meantime we are asking that there should be no further executions while the details are being carried out.

Is it not a fact that there is no longer any truth as to the shooting of prisoners on the Government side?

My object is to ensure that there shall be no shooting on either side.

May I ask whether before these executions took place those who were executed had a fair trial?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Salamanca authorities dispose of any funds or property in this country which could be distrained upon in the event of just claims for damage to British ships and British lives not being admitted and met?

I cannot give any reliable figures with regard to the extent of the funds or property of which the Salamanca authorities dispose in this country.

Can we have an assurance that the Government are not attempting to dissuade any persons who have been injured by General Franco's actions from pursuing him in the courts of this country?

No action of the kind has been contemplated.

Are His Majesty's Government prepared to distrain upon these funds in the event of these just claims not being met?

As regards our position, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement I made last week on this subject.

Are not the Government giving compensation in the case of members of His Majesty's forces who have lost their lives as the result of certain actions?

I understand that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the progress of the negotiations for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Spain; what is the point reached in these negotiations; what is the next step to be taken; and what is the reason for delay about a matter to which the parties concerned have in principle agreed?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress is being made towards the evacuation of foreign combatants from Spain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet decided as to the meaning to be placed upon the term "substantial progress" in connection with the withdrawal of non-Spanish nationals from the conflict in Spain?

As I have already explained in a reply to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 1st February, a draft resolution, to be passed eventually by the Non-intervention Committee, has, I understand, been prepared and submitted to the participating Governments by their delegates on the Committee. The resolution will answer the points raised in the replies from the two parties in Spain to the Non-intervention Committee's resolution of 4th November last. The resolution is also to contain a re-affirmation of the undertakings entered into by the participating Governments; and detailed information regarding the work of the Commissions. Further, it will deal with methods to be employed for restoring and strengthening the control of land and sea frontiers and the conditions of the grant of belligerent rights to both sides in Spain. I understand that agreement has been reached on almost all points of this draft resolution, but, as I have frequently informed the House, the proceedings of the Nonintervention Committee are confidential and I am not in a position to make statements regarding remaining points still under discussion by that body.

Is it the case that this step was agreed to in principle last September, and that not one foreign national has been withdrawn from Spain in consequence of that step being taken?

The plan was agreed to, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman will be aware of the many points which have to be settled in connection with it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the meaning which is to be placed upon the term "substantial progress" is one of the matters still under discussion by the Committee?

I think the hon. Gentleman can assume it is one of the points of difficulty.

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel that all the progress that could have been made during the four months has been made?

I only wish that we had gone a little faster.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what response has been made by the insurgent authorities to the communication of the British commercial agent at Salamanca following the series of outrages committed by sea and by air upon British shipping proceeding on its lawful occasions and promising destruction to any submerged submarines and reprisals in retaliation for any air attack?

I understand that the British agent at Salamanca has received a written reply from the insurgent authorities. The text of this reply has not yet reached me.

Is it not now clear beyond question that a rebel victory would militate against British interests?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the approximate total amount of claims presented or noted for presentation on behalf of British subjects or companies and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom against the Governments of Barcelona and Salamanca, respectively?

The number of claims actually presented against the Governments of Barcelona and Salamanca is relatively small but owing to the fact that in certain cases claims have been submitted to the competent authorities by His Majesty's representatives in Spain or direct by the claimants themselves without informing me of the particulars, I am not able to give even an approximate estimate of the amounts involved. As regards those claims noted for presentation in due course it is even more difficult to give an estimate of the total amounts involved. The number of claims so noted is very considerable, but in many cases no indication of the sums claimed has been given owing to the fact that the losses are still accumulating, or that it has not been possible yet to assess the extent of the damage.

Have the claims presented to the Barcelona Government been met, and does that also apply to the Salamanca Government?

No, Sir, the claims have not been met. In general, the claims, as the hon. Gentleman will see from the answer, have not been presented, for a variety of reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a full report of the sinking of the "Alcira" on 4th February has now been received?

Yes, Sir. A full report has now been received including a statement from the master of the steamship "Alcira." From this report the following information is derived. Shortly after 6.30 a.m. on 4th February when the "Alcira" was 20 miles south-east of Barcelona, two aircraft were sighted steering towards the ship. The aircraft were seaplanes, two-seaters, painted grey. They were both of the same type and their rudders had a black St. Andrew's cross painted on them. The ship was at that time flying the new red ensign and red, white and blue stripes, each 2½ feet wide, were painted on the top and sides of the bridge. The aircraft circled the ship three times and then fired a machine-gun, using tracer ammunition, ahead of the ship. The aircraft, flying low, then signalled by light to the ship, the only word visible being "boat." As soon as this signal was made, the Captain stopped engines and gave the order for the crew to go to the boats. There was no time for more than one boat to be lowered and before this boat was lowered, three bombs were dropped by the aircraft and struck the ship. Two further bombs struck the ship after the boat had got away, and the ship sank shortly afterwards.

Is there any evidence of the nationality of the aircraft?

Not beyond that which I have given in my answer, which, I think, shows that they were attached to the Insurgent forces.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement with reference to the recent interview given by Sir Henry Chilton, Ambassador to Spain, in which he describes the Government to which he is accredited as "the Reds"?

Since the hon. Member questioned me on this point on 9th February, I have made further inquiries of Sir Henry Chilton. The Ambassador has assured me quite categorically that he did not use the expression referred to during the interview in question. I am glad to have an opportunity to make this clear.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, under the plans being prepared by the Non-intervention Committee for the evacuation of foreign troops from Spain, the foreign troops who leave Spain will take away with them the arms and munitions which they took in;

(2) whether, under the plans being prepared by the Non-intervention Committee for the evacuation of foreign troops from Spain, provision will be made for the withdrawal of all foreigners now serving in the naval forces of the two contending parties before any grant of belligerent rights is made?

As I have frequently informed the House, the proceedings of the Non-intervention Committee are confidential. I am not, therefore, at liberty to make a statement in regard to matters which are under discussion by that body. In connection, however, with the grant of belligerent rights, the hon. Member will remember that the United Kingdom proposals which are the basis of the scheme under discussion by the committee, provide that such rights will be granted after a substantial withdrawal of foreign volunteers, not the total withdrawal of any particulars section of volunteers.

May we take it that the term "substantial withdrawal" means the withdrawal of the naval officers and men who are at present serving in General Franco's fleet before belligerent rights are granted?

I do not think I can possibly argue the definition of "substantial withdrawal" here, but the House may rest assured that we naturally desire an interpretation which we regard as satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a ship, convoyed by a number of Italian destroyers, landed a large quantity of war material at Cadiz on 31st January; and what action he proposes to take in view of this fresh violation of the Non-intervention Agreement?

I have no information which in any way confirms the statement made by the hon. Member, but I am making inquiries.

Is the Foreign Secretary not able to get information which is published in all the authoritative Press of the world?

It has been my not infrequent experience that some of these rumours have not been justified.

When a very serious statement of this sort is published and generally accepted—[HON. MEMBERS:"No!"]—when it has been accepted by large sections of the people in this and other countries, is it not the duty of the Government to make immediate inquiries to see whether it is true or not?

If the hon. Gentleman looks at my answer he will see that I have said that I am making inquiries.

Is it not true that although the right hon. Gentleman always disclaims any information on that point, it has subsequently transpired that it has been verified?

I do not accept the right hon. Gentleman's form of memory.

Would the hon. Gentleman give a definition of what he means by "the authoritative press of the world"?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many prisoners of non-Spanish nationality are held at present by each party in Spain; particularly, how many Italians and Germans are held by the Barcelona Government and French and Russians by General Franco; and whether he has communicated these figures to the Nonintervention Committee?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the approximate number of prisoners from the international brigade fighting on the side of the Popular Front Government during the Spanish civil war taken by General Franco; and which countries have provided the largest number of combatants in this form of intervention?

Apart from their general efforts to secure the exchange of prisoners in the Spanish conflict, His Majesty's Government have no concern with any prisoners of non-Spanish nationality, except British prisoners. I am, therefore, unable to give the particulars asked for by my hon. and gallant Friends.

Is it not a fact that a very large number of French and Russian prisoners are held by the national forces?

There are prisoners of various nationalities held by both sides, but I have not any figures.

Are there any British prisoners held by Franco?

Is it not essential, in view of the question of non-intervention and the question of withdrawal of volunteers, that the facts should be obtained, and is the right hon. Gentleman going to do so?

My hon. Friend is setting me a hard task to classify all the prisoners on both sides by their nationalities. I am afraid I have no information which would enable me to do so.

Will it not be essential for the Non-intervention Committee to obtain that information?

I think it is essential to get them out of the way, whether they are prisoners or combatants.

Is it not very unfortunate that the right hon. Gentleman should be harassed by this stream of supplementary questions?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) the approximate number of foreign bombers and fighting aeroplanes in the service of the Popular Front government in Spain; what percentage this represents of the total number of aeroplanes available to that government; and what is the proportion of these aeroplanes provided by Russia and France, respectively?

(2) whether, in view of representations on the subject of air-bombing in Spain, he can state the number of air-raids by both sides during the war upon undefended towns and villages remote from the firing line and not coming within the category of those embracing naval bases, docks, harbours, aerodromes, munition centres, or military garrisons?

I have not sufficient information to enable me to answer with accuracy these questions.

In view of the importance of this subject, will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive any informa- tion which has been gained by Members of this House on either side in Spain such as the facts as to the number of bombers actually brought down?

I shall be, of course, glad to receive any information.

In view of the discussion about the two sides in Spain, would it not be advisable to remove the "crazy gang" from this side of the House to the other side?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now take the responsibility of presenting to the Non-intervention Committee the communication from the Spanish Government declaring that submarines and other warships now operating in the Mediterranean on behalf of the Spanish insurgents formerly belonged to Italy?

No, Sir. In respect of submarines no further action is called for beyond that already taken by His Majesty's Government and announced to this House. In respect of other warships the Spanish Government has not asked His Majesty's Government to present the communication, to which the hon. Member refers, to the Non-intervention Committee.

Has the fact that these submarines originally belonged to Italy already been brought to the notice of the Non-intervention Committee?

I have said that the Spanish Government have not said so in their communication made to the Non-intervention Committee.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think this matter of sufficient gravity and importance to be brought to the notice of the Non-intervention Committee?

No, Sir; I do not think the submarine question is, particularly in view of the steps taken last week.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which countries in Europe have foregone fees for visas on passports issued to American tourists; and, in view of the advantages to be gained in attracting tourists to this coun- try, will he consider adopting a similar policy in this country?

According to the information available in the Foreign Office the United States Government have concluded agreements with the following European countries for the abolition of visa fees: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Danzig, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Yugoslavia, Latvia. As the hon. Member is aware, an arrangement has already been concluded between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government by which fees for visas have been mutually reduced by four-fifths as from 1st April last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the United States Government have made an offer of complete abolition of these fees?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the bombing of civilians in Barcelona and other Spanish towns, he will give notice to the governments concerned that this country proposes to allow the importation into Spain of anti-aircraft guns and ammunition unless this bombing stops by a certain definite date?

The right hon. Gentleman is aware of the desire of His Majesty's Government to further an agreement for the abolition of this type of bombing and of the initiative which they have taken in this matter. In respect of the export of arms from this country to Spain, His Majesty's Government are bound by the international undertakings assumed by them as a signatory of the Non-intervention Agreement. I am not at present prepared to propose any modification of this Agreement.

Unless this is stopped, will this means of defence be allowed to the Spanish Government?

The right hon. and gallant Member can be assured that these relevant considerations are in my mind.

Are not Germany and Italy equally bound by the agreement?

Every one is bound by it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman define what is meant by the term "civilian population" seeing that every able-bodied man and woman in a country at war is taking some active part in the war?

We are all conscious of the difficulties of this problem, but that does not make us any the less anxious to solve it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether representations to the Pope as to the desirability of a denunciation by him of the bombing of civilians in Spain by both sides have yet been made; and, if so, what effect has been produced?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now sought the good offices of the Vatican in approaching the contending Governments in Spain with a view to their mutual renunciation of the bombardment of unfortified centres, and the consequent suffering and loss of life among non-combatants?

His Majesty's Government have not approached the Vatican direct, but they have informed the French Government that they are now prepared to associate themselves with such initiative as the French Government may decide to take in the matter, whether through the Vatican or through other channels.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why we did not approach the Vatican direct seeing that we have an Ambassador there?

The French Government first approached us in a public statement made by the French Prime Minister, and, therefore, we replied that we associated ourselves with them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the progress of the negotiations relative to a cessation of the practice of bombing civilian populations?

The hon. Member is presumably referring to- the desire of His Majesty's Government to secure general international agreement on this subject. In that respect I have nothing at present to add to my statement in the course of the Debate on 2nd February.

Have the views of the Government been brought to the notice of General Franco through the British Agent at Salamanca?

Yes, Sir, not long ago.

And to the other side also?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the proposal of the Netherlands Government to the Oslo Powers that the Italian conquest of Ethiopia should be recognised, he will give an assurance to the House that His Majesty's Government are not considering any such recognition?

The attitude of His Majesty's Government still remains as explained in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams) on 5th May last.

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that the recent scurrilous Italian Press attack made upon him as a result of his refusal to sacrifice League principles will have no effect on public opinion in this country?

Would it not be advantageous to have this vendetta ended, and to act in accordance with the realities of the situation?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House a pledge that he will not make a diplomatic bargain with the principle of international law, to which the United States Government attach particular importance?

How could it be advantageous for us to condone the collapse of the rule of law?

Will the right hon. Gentleman leave the official Opposition to pursue this vendetta alone?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can tell the House what information he has received concerning the passage of Italian troops through the Suez Canal on their way to Abyssinia?

I regret that I have no statement to make on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that at present Ethiopian forces which enter British territory are immediately disarmed while Italian troops and arms for use in Abyssinia are regularly permitted to cross British territory, he will arrange that this difference in treatment shall no longer be permitted?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. Italian troops and arms for use in Abyssinia are in general not permitted to cross British; territory. The only exception to this rule is that on an undelimited section of the northern frontier of Kenya, the Italian authorities have been permitted to use a track connecting two areas under Italian occupation. This permission has been granted without prejudice to the ultimate settlement of the question whether the track is in Kenya or Ethiopia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the decisions taken at the League of Nations Council with regard to the position of minorities in Rumania; and, in particular, what action was taken as the result of the petition from the World Jewish Congress?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my Noble Friend gave to a similar question by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member, for Newcastle - under - Lyme (Colonel-Wedgwood) on 7th February. The procedure which I described on what occasion-is being applied to the petition from the World Jewish Congress.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the representations made recently by His Majesty's representative at Bucharest to the Rumanian Government with regard to its treatment of its Jewish minority; whether His Majesty's representative has instruct- tion to observe how the assurances given by the Rumanian Government are carried out; and whether he has presented any further report on the matter?

I have been in communication with His Majesty's Minister at Bucharest on matters relating to minorities in Rumania. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the Government of which M. Goga was the head has recently resigned. In the circumstances I am unable to make a fuller statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received any reply from the Japanese Government to the British Note on the question of naval construction in Japan?

Yes, Sir. The reply of the Japanese Government to the British Note of 5th February on the subject of Japanese naval construction was handed to His Majesty's Representative at Tokyo on 12th February. Replies in similar terms were at the same time communicated to the French and United States representatives. In their reply, the full text of which has already been made public, the Japanese Government regret that they are unable to comply with the desire of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to receive certain information and assurances regarding Japanese intentions in connection with the construction of capital ships and cruisers. In addition the Japanese Government are unable to accept the proposal contained in the final paragraph of the British Note for consultation on the question of the future limitation of tonnage of vessels and calibre of guns. The new situation which has thus arisen as a result of the Japanese reply will now be examined by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in consultation with the other naval Powers with whom they are in treaty relations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the English-speaking group led by Dr. R. C. Robertson, appointed under the League of Nations plan of anti-epidemic assistance to China, has been fully constituted, and when it will proceed to China?

The English-speaking group has been constituted under the leadership of Dr. R. C. Robertson, and is already in China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement specifying the foreign Governments which are in default upon the service of bonds issued in the United Kingdom; whether he can give an estimate of the loss during the year 1937 to British bondholders consequent upon such defaults; and whether he is satisfied that British interests are being adequately represented with a view to obtaining redress?

I have been asked to reply. In answer to the first two parts of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) on 1st February; the answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider it desirable that the bondholders concerned should have no say in the selection of the members of the Council of Foreign Bondholders, and no control whatever over their activities?

asked the Prime Minister whether the attention of His Majesty's Government has been called to the heavy losses to investors, to the revenue, and to this country as a whole which are involved by defaults on foreign loans owned by bondholders in this country; and what action His Majesty's Government have taken or propose to take to protect the interests of bondholders in such cases?

His Majesty's Government view with the gravest concern the loss inflicted, both on individuals and on the country, as the result of defaults on foreign loans. They regard the whole subject as one of very great importance, and I am glad to have this opportunity of making a statement upon the matter.

The Corporation of Foreign Bondholders is an independent statutory body, which was incorporated in 1873 and reconstituted by Special Act of Parliament in 1898. The Government recognise the Council of the Corporation of Foreign Bondholders as the body entrusted by Parliament with the duty of representing the interests of the bondholders in all matters arising out of defaults or threatened defaults by foreign Governments, States or municipalities. The corporation has throughout its life rendered the most valuable services, and in recent years its activities have been steadily increasing. I was, therefore, very glad to learn that, upon the conclusion of his term of office as Governor-General of Canada, Lord Bessborough had consented to accept the position of President of the council. Since then the council have been greatly strengthened by the inclusion of the representatives of the Association of Investment Trusts and the British Insurance Association. The council have always maintained the closest contact with the Treasury and the Foreign Office and in the last few years this contact has been continuous.

In the case of a default, or threatened default, His Majesty's Government expect the foreign Government or authority concerned to enter into negotiations with the council. His Majesty's Government always follow such negotiations very closely and give to the council their fullest support. Where no acceptable agreement is reached they are always prepared to consider what further steps can usefully be taken. I consider that the arrangements which I have described afford the best and most practical means of safeguarding the interests of this country in this matter.

Is it not a fact that one of the very practical difficulties that have shown themselves has been that foreign Governments find that the Council of Foreign Bondholders can bind nobody—not even a single bondholder?

Is it not a fact that British investors in foreign securities have over the last 70 or 80 years lost over £2,000,000,000?

In view of the fact that one-quarter of all the losses by British bondholders fall on the Treasury of this country, will the right hon. Gentleman prevent any further losses of this description being made?

Are the Council permitted by their constitution to deal with defaults such as that of the Government of Alberta?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.

Might I put to the right hon. Gentleman the question which I put to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, to which he did not reply?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department particulars of the manner in which his Department are at present participating in the various schemes that have been brought to the attention of his Department for the purpose of advertising British goods abroad?

No, Sir, as there are none.

Have any financial contributions at all been made?

There is no practical scheme.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as an example to other nations, he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will prohibit the use of bombing aeroplanes for police

As I have said, it is obvious that the publication of this important report modifies the situation with regard to a marketing scheme, and I think I have taken the right course in asking those who are submitting the scheme to me to reconsider the matter afresh in view of the importance of the subject.