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Volume 5 1936~1939

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No. 219 NAI DFA Secretary's Files A20

Memorandum by Joseph P. Walshe on Leopold Kerney's actions to gain the release of Frank Ryan

Dublin, 16 September 1938

Mr. Kerney1 suggests that the Taoiseach might take advantage of the presence in Geneva of Senor del Vayo, Minister of State, Barcelona, to confirm our desire to secure the exchange of Frank Ryan for a prisoner in the hands of the Barcelona Government.

The suggestion is that Ryan should be exchanged (1) for José Lopez Pinto, son of a General in Franco's Army, or (2) for an Italian aviator of the rank of captain or (3) for a number of Italian private soldiers.

Mr. Kerney has ascertained that Franco would agree to the first proposal. The Italian Ambassador at San Sebastian suggested the other alternatives, as there is no Italian prisoner of the rank of Major (Ryan's rank in International Brigade).

Mr. Kerney telegraphed the three alternative proposals to the Ministry of State, Barcelona, on the 3rd September but has had no reply. The Barcelona Government had previously offered to exchange an Italian sergeant for Ryan. This proposal was, of course, worthless as Ryan's rank is that of Major.

A full record of Mr. Kerney's correspondence with Barcelona is attached.

[unsigned]


[Attached]

SUMMARY
22nd July, 1938 Mr. Kerney telegraphed the Ministry of State, Barcelona, requesting them to examine possibility of exchanging an Italian officer for Frank Ryan.
24th July, 1938 Acknowledgment by telegram from Barcelona saying that question was being examined.
9th August, 1938 Further telegram from Barcelona saying that 'exchange of Frank Ryan, Major, International Brigade, has been proposed against Alfonso Tanner, station sergeant.'
Mr. Kerney ascertained from Italian Ambassador, San Sebastian (through Red Cross) that there are no captive Italian majors. The Ambassador suggested the exchange of some specialised aviator of the rank of Captain or alternatively a number of private soldiers. 10th August (a.m.) Mr. Kerney telegraphed Italian Ambassador's suggestion to Barcelona. Later on the same day Mr. Kerney heard from Mr. Meade, an American journalist in close touch with Franco Authorities, that it might be possible to arrange release of Ryan in exchange for José Lopez Pinto, son of a Spanish General serving under Franco.
10th August (p.m.) Mr. Kerney telegraphed Barcelona suggesting exchange of Pinto. Mr. Meade later confirmed that Franco would accept this exchange,
and on 3rd September Mr. Kerney again telegraphed Barcelona requesting urgent and favourable reply.




1 Handwritten insertion by Sheila Murphy, 'Copy sent to Taoiseach 16.9.38'.

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