Letter from Joseph P. Walshe to Eilís Ryan¹ (London)
(144/35) (Copy)

Dear Miss Ryan²,
With reference to our telephone message of 2nd December, we have now received from our Legation to Spain confirmation of the result of the enquiries about Mr. Ryan made by the Viscount de Mamblas, General Franco's representative in Biarritz, during his visit to Burgos. The Viscount de Mamblas, on his return from Burgos, assured Mr. Kerney that your brother was 'alive and kicking', and added that he was 'still being troublesome'. He said that the question of his exchange for a prisoner in the hands of the Barcelona Government has been put before the newly-formed Committee in San Sebastian which is carrying on negotiations for the exchange of prisoners of all nationalities. He will be advised as soon as a decision has been reached, and will inform Mr. Kerney immediately.

I have today received a letter addressed to Mr. de Valera by your father³, with reference to the attached cutting from the 'Sunday Chronicle'. Your father asked for permission to inform this paper of the action taken on your brother's behalf by the Minister for External Affairs. I should be glad if you would be good enough to inform him that the Minister is quite satisfied that your family are aware of his efforts to obtain the release of Mr. Ryan, and that he feels no useful purpose would be served by entering into a Press controversy.