§ Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that 22 citizens of Algeciras, members of the Confederacion Nacional del Trabajo and well-known for their anti-Fascist activities, are facing a court of summary jurisdiction at Cadiz on any day between now and 30th October, from which they are in danger of the death penalty; and whether, in view of the declaration concerning Spain in the communiquéissued at the termination of the Potsdam Conference, he proposes to take further action in conjunction with our Allies.
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Mr. McNeilReports that these men have been arrested have only recently come to my notice. I have sent instructions to His Majesty's Ambassador in Madrid to make an urgent informal approach to the Spanish Government requesting full information on the subject and emphasising the unfortunate impression which would be made in this country if these men were in fact to be executed on a political charge. The United States Government are being informed of these instructions. My right hon. Friend has not made an approach to the Soviet Government as they are not in relation with the Spanish Government.