§ 32. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Dominions have been consulted on the question of volunteers for the fighting in Spain; what is the attitude of the Irish Government; and whether His Majesty's Government have endeavoured to obtain their concurrence in the measures of prohibition that have been taken?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe Dominion Governments were informed both of the course which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom proposed to follow and of the action taken. As regards the latter part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) on 26th January.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes that reply deal with the attitude of the Irish Government?
Mr. MacDonaldI have said in that reply that the attitude of the Irish Free State Government will no doubt be stated at the appropriate time in the Non-Intervention Committee, on which the Irish Free State is represented. It is not for me to make any statement about the attitude of the Irish Free State Government.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes not the right hon. Gentleman see that unless he can induce the Commonwealth Governments to put themselves in line with the British point of view, non-intervention will not be non-intervention?
§ Mr. ManderCan the right hon. Gentleman say, for the information of the House, whether the position is that residents in the Dominions are now free to go to Spain and fight on either side?
Mr. MacDonaldIt is for the Dominion Governments to make any statement which they wish to make on this matter.
§ Mr. ManderBut does the right hon. Gentleman not know?