HC Deb 10 July 1939 vol 349 cc1779-80
4. Mr. Day

asked the Prime Minister the result of the findings of the board of inquiry set up by the Foreign Office to investigate the allegations that consular officers carried documents containing military information across the Spanish frontier; whether the investigation by the examining magistrate at San Sebastian has been concluded; and what is the present position of the officials concerned?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

The board of inquiry has not yet submitted its re- port, owing to the fact that its inquiries cannot be concluded on the evidence so far taken in the Spanish courts. The persons concerned have been set at provisional liberty.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, as a matter of fact, the Spanish investigation has been concluded?

Mr. W. Roberts

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of the persons concerned have been prevented from leaving Spain on account of this matter?

Mr. Butler

I have not heard so.

23. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the case of four Spanish citizens who have landed in Gibraltar, one of whom has since died, and the demand of the Burgos authorities for their return to that country; and what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government to that demand?

33. Miss Wilkinson

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received from the Spanish Government any demand for the extradition of the Spaniards who swam from Algeciras to Gibraltar; and whether, in view of the many executions of republican sympathisers recently, he will give an assurance that he will not hand these men back to the present Spanish authorities?

34. Mr. Jagger

asked the Prime Minister whether he can assure the House that extradition will not be granted in the case of the members of the Spanish Republican Army who swam to Gibraltar?

Mr. Butler

I have seen accounts in the Press, and the Governor of Gibraltar has been asked to report fully on the matter. No request for the extradition of these men has been received by my Noble Friend from the Spanish Government.

Mr. Dobbie

In the event of a request for extradition coming along, can we have the assurance of the Prime Minister that these men will not be sent back to what would be certain death?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend would wish to see the report of the Governor of Gibraltar in the first place, but the point of view put by the hon. Member will certainly be borne in mind.