§ 54. Mr. Gallacherasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Mr. H. A. R. Philpot has been offered the decoration of the Military Merit Cross by General Franco; and whether Mr. Philpot has been authorised to accept this decoration?
§ Mr. ButlerI assume that the hon. Member is referring to Mr. H. A. R. Philby, a newspaper correspondent serving with General Franco's forces. I have seen in the Press a report of the award of a medal by the Spanish Nationalist authorities to this gentleman. Mr. Philby has not sought and has not been given any official authority to accept the distinction in question.