§ 10. Mr. Dobbieasked the Prime Minister whether he has any further information in regard to Mr. Frank Ryan, member of the International Brigade and still prisoner of war in Spain; and has the British Government made, or will be prepared to make, representations to the Burgos Government in conjunction with the government of Eire in regard to this man, with a view to his release?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I have previously stated, Mr.Frank Ryan is a citizen of Eire and his case is accordingly being dealt with by the Eire Minister in Spain. His Majesty's Ambassador has informed his colleague that he will be glad to lend his assistance should the latter ever desire it.
§ Mr. RichardsHow many men are still in prison?
§ 11. Mr. Dobbieasked the Prime Minister whether he will inform the House as to the names of British subjects, members of the International Brigade, who are still prisoners of the Burgos Government in Spain; what is the cause of their detention; are they under any definite terms of imprisonment; and what steps have the British Government taken to obtain their release?
§ Mr. ButlerApart from Mr. Frank Ryan, there are three British subjects still in prison in Spain, Mr. Julian Hickman, Mr. James Cameron and Mr. Thomas Jones. His Majesty's Ambassador in Spain is pressing energetically for details of the charges against them, and of any sentences that may have been passed.
§ Mr. DobbieAre we to understand that after this long period we do not know what charges are preferred against these men who are still in prison?
§ Mr. ButlerWhen I can, I will communicate them to the House. That is why the Ambassador is pressing the cases and endeavouring to obtain their release.