§ 5. Mr. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the part played in the liberation of France by Spanish Republican refugees in that country operating alongside the F.F.I.; whether all Spanish republicans lately interned in French camps and prisons have now been released; and whether assurances can now be given to these Spaniards of continuity of asylum on democratic territory and a guarantee against enforced repatriation to Spain.
§ Mr. EdenI understand that a certain number of Spanish Republican refugees in France joined the French Forces of the Interior but I have no detailed information regarding either the exact numbers or the part which they played in fighting against the Germans.
As regards the second part of the question, I caused inquiries to be made of the French authorities. The present position is that the latter are conducting a rapid examination of the files of all Spanish internees in France, the great majority of whom have already been released. As regards the last part of the Question, this is of course a matter for the French authorities, who will, I am sure, deal with it in accordance with the principles of justice and humanity.