Telephone communication from Mr. Wm. Elger, re the Scottish Medical Unit in Spain

              TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION FROM MR. Wm. ELGER, 12th NOVEMBER, 1936, RE THE SCOTTISH MEDICAL UNIT IN
SPAIN.
Mr. Elger said that the Scottish Medical Aid Committee is a Liberal one. Sir Daniel Stevenson consulted his own immediate circle of friends. There is no political significance in it. On that point Mr. Elger is perfectly satisfied. He has seen letters from Sir Daniel and Mr. Gallie, who is with the unit, which bear out his general view on the matter.
In regard to Sir Daniel's responsibility, it is true that he is a wealthy man, but Sir Daniel suggests that the effort is worthy of general support. Mr. Elger things it is a little unfair to take advantage of that knowledge.  Sir Daniel could shoulder the responsibility if necessary and will not let the unit down.
There was a case where the ambulance was held up. The ambulance proceeded from Madrid. In regard to the allegation that the whole of the unit was at one time arrested (according to our report it was on account of certain members looting) the actual facts are that on one occasion the ambulance was moved from Madrid to Aranjuez.  The Commandant at the latter place did not know that they were coming and the whole unit was arrested. Contact was made by members of the unit with the British Embassy who took the matter up with the Madrid Government. A full apology was received from the Government whose representative, in effect, said "Look here, we are awfully sorry about this; it is an entire mistake, but for goodness sake don't give the accident any publicity."  Mr. Elger understands that Sir Daniel has seen Eden on this matter and the whole subject has been kept quiet.