HC Deb 09 February 1937 vol 320 c199
19. Captain Ramsay

asked the Secretary of State for War how many military observers representing this country are with General Franco's army and how many with the Government army in Spain?

Mr. Cooper

There is no military observer representing this country with General Franco's army. One of the assistants to the British Military Attaché accredited to France, Spain and Portugal, is at present in Valencia with His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in the normal course of his duties.

Captain Ramsay

Is it not a fact that information accumulated from both sides would be of far greater value to the War Office than information from one side only? Will my right hon. Friend say whether, in sending observers to one side only, he followed the advice of his military advisers, or was there pressure from the Foreign Office?

Mr. Thurtle

Is it not a fact that the essential difference is that the Madrid Government is recognised, whereas General Franco's is not recognised?

Forward to