asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement regarding the present position in the Tangier zone and the steps taken by the Government to protect British interests there?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

His Majesty's Government do not consider that British interests at Tangier are in any immediate danger, but they are watching the situation carefully.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that we shall have an opportunity of discussing the position before any action is taken which will commit us to naval or military operations?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

No, I cannot give that assurance, for this reason, that if His Majesty's Government came to the conclusion that there is any serious menace to the Tangier zone their hands must be free.

Captain BENN:

Have the Government come to any decision with reference to the request which has been made to them to participate in ships and men?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

I have indicated the views of His Majesty's Government in conversations, but no reply has yet been sent, and one cannot be sent until there has been further consideration by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Government as one of the responsible parties for the Tangier international zone, proposes to take any steps to prevent disease and death from starvation among the 5,000 refugees in Tangier now that private charity is exhausted?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bradford East on the 18th June last.