MEMORANDUM OF INTERVIEW.
Date 26th May 1938
Time 3.50 to 4.15.
SUBJECT.
INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE DEPENDANTS AND WOUNDED AID COMMITTEE.
Reference EAB/
Present Mr. W.J. Bolton
Mr. W. Gillies.
Mr. E.A. Bell.
Mrs. C. Haldane (Sec. Int. Brigade Dependants & Wounded Aid Cttee) .
MRS. HALDANE said that as a result of the recent battles on the Arangon [Aragon] front a large number of wounded men from the International Brigade were returning to this country.
The commitments of the International Brigade Dependants and Wounded Aid Committee were increasing to such an extent that they were having some difficulty in meeting their obligations. The question had arisen as to whether they should cut off some of those who were now being assisted by the Committee or whether they should widen the scope of their appeal. In this respect she asked whether it would be possible for a grant to be made from the T.U.C. and the Labour Party.
MR. GILLIES asked whether the Spanish Government accepted any responsibility towards the wounded men and the dependants of those who had been killed.
MRS. HALDANE said she understood it had been stated by the Spanish Government that after the war they wanted to make some recompense to the men of the International Brigade, and in the case of those who were disabled to grant them a pension. Such an arrangement was not possible at the moment owing to the low exchange rate of the peseta.
Mrs. Haldane was informed that her request would be considered, and she undertook to supply full information with regard to the number of persons being assisted by the Committee, together with particulars of Trade Union and Labour Party membership. She also stated that a balance sheet was in the course of preparation, copies of which would be forwarded as soon as it was ready.
