§ 36. Mr. W. Robertsasked the Home Secretary on what date he learnt that there was being organised within the Irish Free State by General O'Duffy an expedition to fight against the Government in Spain; whether and when he also learnt that appeals were being made to men in Ireland, contrary to the Foreign Enlistment Act, 1870, as interpreted by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain; what steps he took to prevent this expedition or any men in it using the territory or ports of Great Britain as a base for departure for Spain; and, in particular, were steps taken to prevent General O'Duffy and certain of his adherents sailing from Liverpool?
§ Sir J. SimonThe Home Office had no previous information on the points referred to in the first two parts of the question. As regards the remainder, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 21st January.
§ Mr. RobertsWas the expedition that was organised considered to be contrary to the Foreign Enlistment Act, 1870, and, if so, why was no action taken against it?
§ Sir J. SimonIf the hon. Member will refer to the answer I gave the other day he will see what I said.
Sir Nairne Stewart SandemanWhat action was taken to prevent people from this island going out to help the Reds?
§ Sir Ronald RossIs my right hon. Friend aware there are other members of the Irish Republican Army who are showing the impartiality of the Irish Free State by fighting on the other side?