§ 56. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what report has been received from His Majesty's Chargè d'Affaires at Madrid, in connection with the arrest in Spain of Senor José Satue, General Secretary of the Radio Telegraphist Workers' Union.
§ Mr. MayhewHis Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires has reported that José Satue has been committed for trial on a charge of subversive activities, having been found in possession of a printing press used for producing propaganda sheets in connection with the May Day celebrations. The trial has not yet taken place.
§ 61. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that 10 young persons, of whom five are under 21 years of age and three 17 years of age and described as Communists, are now on trial in Spain for opposing the Franco regime; that the prosecutor has indicated that he will ask for the death sentence in six cases and imprisonment for 30 years for the remainder; and whether he will instruct His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Madrid to arrange for an observer to attend this trial and to take all possible action on behalf of the accused.
§ 65. Mr. Charles Smithasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any observer was present at the trial in Madrid of Isabel Torralba and nine other Spanish youths; whether any report has been called for of this trial; and, if no report has been called for, whether steps will be taken to expedite such a report, in view of the desire expressed by some youth organisations in this country to assist with an appeal if this seems necessary and justified.
§ Mr. MayhewFull reports have been received on this matter from the Embassy and a member of the staff was present at the trial, which took place on 28th July.
984 The charge, which was not disputed by the defence, was that the accused were concerned in the placing of bombs in Madrid, which caused injury to passers-by and damage to property. The sentences passed by the Court are subject to confirmation by higher authority and have not yet been made public, but it is believed that only the alleged leader of the gang, who is 40 years old, has been condemned to death, whilst the remainder have received sentences of imprisonment.