HC Deb 03 February 1943 vol 386 cc861-2
2. Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the United Nations to insist that the territories in Ethiopia giving access to the sea and taken by aggressive action by the Italians are to be restored to Ethiopia?

Mr. Eden

I am not certain exactly to what territories my hon. Friend refers, but in any case I cannot speak for the United Nations on this matter, and I regret that I am not in a position to forecast at the present stage what decisions may be taken at the appropriate time.

Mr. Ammon

Will that come within the purview of the United Nations as such and not within our purview absolutely?

Mr. Eden

I think my hon. Friend must be referring to Abyssinia as it was in 1935 or earlier. That is why I did not feel like commenting on it.

Mr. Hannah

When did Ethiopia last have a sea coast?

Mr. Eden

That was why I was a little puzzled as to what the Question meant, I think it was about 1890.