§ 7. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister what replies have been received from the Spanish Government and the Spanish Insurgent authorities, respectively, to the submission on behalf of the Non-Intervention Committee of the scheme for the withdrawal of foreign nationals now serving in Spain?
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the statement on this subject made in the course of the Debate last night.
§ Mr. HendersonCan the Prime Minister tell the House when the Non-Intervention Committee are likely to meet? I understand that they are not to meet until replies have been received?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot say. I understand that they are releasing the Spanish Government's reply to-morrow morning for publication.
17. Miss Rathboneasked the Prime Minister whether the composition of the proposed Commission to investigate the bombing of civilian populations has yet been decided on; whether the Spanish Government and the Burgos authorities have agreed to the proposal; and when it is expected that the Commission will be able to begin its operations?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Commission will consist of two British subjects, the one a retired officer of the Royal Air Force and the other a serving officer in the Royal Artillery. We are awaiting a final reply from the Spanish Government, and are considering a request of General Franco's administration that the scope of its inquiries should be widened, but it is hoped that the date of their departure will not be long delayed.
Miss RathboneIn view of the fact that it is more than two months since His Majesty's Government's intention of arranging for some Commission was put forward, and in view of the great importance of securing impartiality, cannot the Government ask the French Government to appoint someone to the Commission?
§ Mr. ButlerI do not think we can reopen the question of the membership of this Commission at this stage.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherCan the hon. Member give some indication as to the direction in which the Burgos authorities desire the scope of this inquiry to be widened?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Burgos authorities wish the scope to be widened to include assassinations and barbarities not connected with air raids.