Letter from Joseph P. Walshe to Leopold H. Kerney (St Jean de Luz)
(41/104)

I am directed to inform you that representations have been received in the Department from the parents of four boys under 21 years of age who have joined the O'Duffy Brigade and are now in Spain. Particulars of the four cases and of the circumstances in which the boys left for Spain without the consent or knowledge of their parents are attached. Except in the case of John O'Connor we have no information about any of the boys since they left Ireland.

The Minister wishes you to make an urgent appeal to General Franco's Authorities to allow the boys to return to their homes on the ground that they are minors and are in Spain against the will of their parents.

On receiving a copy of the letter written by John O'Connor to his mother we asked the British Foreign Office to take action through their Ambassador in Lisbon, with a view to securing the return of the boy to Ireland. As, however, it is unlikely that O'Connor remained more than a few days in Lisbon, it is quite possible that the Ambassador will be unable to give any assistance. You should, therefore, include O'Connor's case in you representations to the Franco Authorities.

I also enclose particulars of a boy named Thomas Woods¹, who left for Spain on the 11th December with a party under Frank Ryan who were going to join the International Brigade. Will you please approach the Spanish Government Authorities for information regarding this boy and make similar representations regarding his return to his home.

Should you succeed in securing the release of any of the boys you are authorised to repatriate them on the usual conditions. Please keep us notified by wire of any information you may obtain about them.