§ 2. Mr. Kirbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered a communication from the Electrical Trades Union, Liverpool, seeking the release of, and information about, Frank Ryan, of the International Brigade, who is still a prisoner in Spain; and will he make a statement.
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir. A reply was despatched to the Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union, Liverpool, on 23rd November, pointing out that as Mr. Ryan is an Eire national, and, as the Eire Government have their own diplomatic representative in Madrid, the union's inquiry should be addressed either to the Eire Government or to the Eire High Commissioner in London.
§ Mr. KirbyAm I to understand that it is not possible for the British Government to take action, having in mind the fact that this man Ryan was in Liverpool as a resident, so far as I know, before going to Spain?
§ Mr. EdenAs I have explained, this man is a citizen of Eire, an Eire national. They have their own Minister there. Of course, if our help is required we are always ready to give help; but it is a matter for them in the first instance.