Exchange of Agents with Franco

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 39, 9 November 1937, Page 5

Exchange of Agents with Franco

(British Offloial Wireless.)

BRITAIN'S MOTIVE

Protection of Interests in Spain NO DIPLOMATIC STATUS

(Eeceived 9, 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, Nov. 8. A long statement was made in the House ■ of Oommons by Mr. Anthony Eden on the ptro|>osed ' exchange of agents by tbe British Government and" General Franco. He made it clear that in the Goverhment's view the step now proposed was essential for the proper protection of British commercial, industrial and financial interests in that part of Spain under the control of General Franco. These territories included two-thirds of Continental Spain and practically all her overseaa, territories. Not including the Cjmary Islands or the Spanish zone in Morocco, there were many millions of pounds of British capital invested in this area — the greater part in respect of iron ore, copper and lead mines and the sherry industry. British interests had suffered from the existence of. the civil war, and. the resulting difficulties had become increasingly acute from the absence of regular means of contacfc with the msurgent authorities. Mr. Eden added that the reception jof General Franco' s agent in London would not in any way constitute recognition by the British Government of the authorities of territories under the control of General Franco. "Neither party," he said, "will acoord or expect to receive diplomatio status for its agents." The Leader of the. Opposition, Major Attlee, asked whether Mr Eden had consulted other Powers, especjally France, with regard to the appointjnent of agents. Mr Eden replied that France had made no representations against the step, "though we informed .them so'me time ago." . Mr Alexander, in moving the adjournment later in the evening, said: "The decision to exchange missikms with Gerneral Franco goes far towards recognition and is likely to prejudice the situation in Spain and endanger British interests. The Government's policy has been one long series of diplomatic retreats. General Franco has only to seize a few more ships to get Tecognition of his ambassador in Britain." Mr Eden interrupted to say that .the Government gave General Franco no recognition whatever. Mr Alexander replied that world opinion regarded the action as at least a move in that direction.