5. Mr. J. J. Davidsonasked the Prime Minister the total number of compensation claims made by the British Government to General Franco and the number of claims that have been settled up to date?
§ Mr. ButlerA few claims, arising mainly out of the requisitioning of British property, such as motor cars, were presented locally at the time to the authorities on both sides, The great majority of claims, as I informed the hon. Member on 7th June, are now being filed and examined by the Foreign Office; and those found valid will be presented to the Spanish Government as soon as possible.
Mr. DavidsonIs it not a fact that those claims have been down for a considerable time—some for a few years; and does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the failure of His Majesty's Government to have those claims Speedily settled is one of the reasons why we have lost prestige in the world?
§ 14. Mr. G. Straussasked the Prime Minister the results of the representations he has made to the Spanish Government concerning the imprisonment of Frank Ryan?
§ Mr. ButlerMr. Frank Ryan is a citizen of Eire, and his case is being looked after by the Eire Minister in Spain.
§ Mr. StraussDoes that mean that His Majesty's Government are no longer interested in this case? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very strong feeling in this country?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, I am aware of the very strong feeling, and of the feeling of hon. Members. Our Ambassador has offered his help in this case.
§ Mr. George GriffithsCan the right hon. Gentleman give us the very latest news on this matter?
§ Mr. ButlerI have endeavoured to obtain the latest news, but I have nothing to add to what I had before.
23. Miss Rathboneasked the Prime Minister whether there is any evidence of substantial military intervention in Spain by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics prior to mid-October, 1936?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.