A Labour motion of censure on the Government's action in recognizing General Franco expressed the opinion that the "decision of His Majesty's Government to grant unconditional recognition to the Spanish insurgent forces, dependent upon foreign intervention, constitutes a deliberate affront to the legitimate Government of a friendly power, is a gross breach of international traditions, and marks a further stage in the policy which is steadily destroying in all democratic countries confidence in the good faith of Great Britain."
The recognition of the Spanish Nationalist Government will be debated in the House of Commons tomorrow night. The request for debate was made by Mr. Attlee, and was granted by the Prime Minister.
Announcing the Governments decision to recognize the Nationalist Government, the Prime Minister de-
British Ship Not to Visit Hainan Questions Asked in House Of Commons; More Parleys In Tokyo Foreshadowed London, Feb. 27.
"will the Prime Minister give orders for the immediate dispatch of a British cruiser for' the protection of British interests on the island of Hainan so long as the Japanese remain in occupation there?"
This question was put by Sir John Wardlaw Milne, Conservative member of the Kidderminster Division of Worcestershire, in the House of Come mons today.
Mr. R. A. Butler, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, replied that the question was "being fully considered," but that no decision had been taken regarding the dispatch of a British warship to Hainan in the present circumstances.
Captain Alan Graham, Conservative member for the Wirral division of Cheshire, asked whether the Prime Minister would instruct Sir Robert Craigie (the British Ambassador in Tokyo) to press the Japanese Government for a further detailed amplifcation of their excuse of "military necessity" for the occupation of Hainan, and to obtain an explanation of the conditions which, in their view, would terminate this necessity.
Mr. Butler replied that these matters were receiving consideration, but that he could not, at the moment, add more.—Reuter.
"His Majesty's Government have given very careful consideration to the position in Spain, and to the action they should take in the light of all the information at their disposal.
"As a result of the fall of Barcelena, and of the over-running of Catalonia, General Franco is now in trol of the greater part of Spanish territory, both on and beyond the mainland. Included in this territory are the most important industrial centres in Spain, and the sources of most óf her productions.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.