Spanish Rebellion - International Brigade : History of Case

              File No. 946 E35.
SUBJECT: SPANISH REBELLION - INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE.
HISTORY OF CASE.
1937.
February 4
Memorandum of interview between Sir Walter Citrine and Mr. H.N. Brailsford re the maintenance of dependants of volunteers in the International Brigade.   H.N.B. asked to supply particulars of Trade Union and Labour Party members who were with the International Brigade.
February 10
Letter to H.N. Brailsford stating that "D. Herald" had agreed to send package of "D. Herald" each day.     Asked him for address of reliable persons in order to ensure that the papers reach the members of International Brigade.
February 19
Letter to "D. Herald" giving name and address of Mr. George Aitken, as a man suitable for the purpose of receiving copies of the "Daily Herald" for the British members of the International Brigade.
February 22
Letter from Brailsford enclosing preliminary list of British members of the International Brigade, together with particulars of their Trade Union and/or Labour Party membership.
March 1
Letter to Brailsford stating that the matter regarding the support of dependants of members of International Brigade had been considered, and it had been pointed out that the rules of many of the Unions did not provide for the making of grants of this description. The possibility of giving support through the International Solidarity Fund for Spain had also been considered, and it was considered extremely doubtful, in view of the express purpose for which the Fund had been raised whether this could be done.    Further enquiries were being made into the matter.
March 23
Research memo. re legal position of Unions to contribute toward dependants of members of Brigade.
March 23
The Rossendale Union of Boot, Shoe & Slipper Ops. ask whether any of the money collected for the International Solidarity Fund was being used to maintain dependants of the International Brigade, British Section, and are informed that this is not the case.
April 13
The Northampton Labour Party ask whether the scope of the appeal issued by the International Brigade Dependants' Aid Committee is covered by the International Solidarity Fund, and whether there were any reasons why this appeal should not be supported.
May 7
The Edinburgh & District Joint Committee for Spanish Relief send a resolution requesting the N.C.L. to allocate a portion of the International Solidarity Fund to the defendants of members of the International Brigade.    In reply it was pointed out that as the money had been raised specifically for the assistance of the Spanish workers, the proposal, which had already been given consideration, could not be accepted.