§ 4. Mr. Dobbieasked the Prime Minister whether he can give any information to the House as to the numbers of the Inter national Brigade, and their respective nationality, who are still prisoners of war, held by the Burgos Government; whether any reference was made to others than those of French and British nationality in the talks between the representatives of these two countries and the Burgos Government; was any arrangement made for their release; and of what nature these arrangements were?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)There are four British subjects, and, according to 5 our information, approximately 90 Czech, German and Austrian nationals, ex-members of the International Brigade, still in prison in Spain. No reference was made to other than those of British nationality in any. conversations between His Majesty's Representatives in Spain and the Spanish Government, nor, so far as my Noble Friend is aware, have the French Government had any discussions about prisoners of non-French nationality. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. George GriffithsDoes the Undersecretary know anything further about Major Frank Ryan, on whom a 30 years' sentence has been passed?
§ Mr. ButlerI wish we did know more about him. We have done out best to find out. The Eire Minister in Spain is dealing with the case of Major Frank Ryan.
§ 5. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister the number of British subjects who are still under arrest in Spain as a result of the civil war; and what steps he is taking to secure their release?
§ Mr. ButlerApart from the four ex-members of the International Brigade, there are, so far as His Majesty's Government are aware, five British subjects under arrest in Spain. His Majesty's Ambassador is investigating their cases.
§ Mr. DayWill His Majesty's Ambassador also make representations that if these men are released they should also obtain their personal belongings, which were taken away from them?
§ Mr. ButlerWe shall certainly do our best.