§ 55. Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on whose instructions Her 11W Majesty's Ambassador to the Dominican Republic was required to attend at the airport at Santo Domingo to witness the departure of certain political prisoners; and what representations he has made to the Mexican Government in connection with this episode.
§ Mr. Foley:Her Majesty's Ambassador was present as a witness at the request of the Government of the Dominican Republic, as were a number of his diplomatic colleagues. He took the decision at very short notice on his own initiative and in my judgment acted perfectly correctly. The Dominican Government had decided to release 20 prisoners in exchange for the kidnapped United States air attaché. As the House will be aware, the air attaché was simultaneously released unharmed by the kidnappers. Her Majesty's Government have made no representations to the Mexican Government.