HC Deb 03 February 1947 vol 432 cc1373-4
19. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will instruct His Majesty's representative in Madrid to protest to the Spanish Government at the continued detention, in Ondarreta prison, San Sebastian, after 20 months without court martial, of Felix Corta, Jose-Maria Larrea and Alejandro Zabala, in view of the fact that these persons are accused of assisting the Basque Brigade which fought with the allied forces during the liberation of France.

Mr. Mayhew

I am informed that these three men are accused of entering Spain clandestinely for subversive purposes, and to reorganise the Basque Nationalist Party, which is proscribed by the present Government of Spain. Corta and 10 others, who were arrested with them on similar charges, have been granted conditional liberty. His Majesty's Embassy have watched the case closely, and will continue to do so.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

. Are any of them sons of Cabinet Ministers?

20. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will instruct His Majesty's representative in Madrid to protest to the Spanish Government at the postponement, after two years and 11 months detention without trial, of the court martial of nine Basques, whose names have been sent to his Department by the hon. Member for Brentford and Chiswick, in view of the fact that the only accusation against these men was that they attempted, on 21st January, 1944, to join the Allied Forces in France.

Mr. Mayhew

His Majesty's Embassy at Madrid report that these men are being held at Vitoria prison, and that their trial is not likely to take place for two or three months. Inquiries are being made, and if the result provides grounds for interven- tion, we will certainly take the case up with the Spanish authorities.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does not the fact that these men have been in detention two years and 11 months without trial provide grounds for intervention?

Mr. Mayhew

It provides grounds for anxiety, but inquiries are being made.

Sir Patrick Hannon

Would it not be much better for His Majesty's Administration to allow the Spanish people to manage these affairs themselves?

Mr. Mayhew

When we can help anti-Fascists we do.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Will His Majesty's Government take equal care to supervise developments in Yugoslavia and Russia?