HC Deb 19 March 1896 vol 38 cc1354-5
MR. LABOUCHERE

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the Italians are our allies in any sense more than the inhabitants of any other country with whom we are on friendly terms?

MR. CURZON

There is no agreement of alliance between the two countries, but the circumstances in which they are placed in East Africa are such as to point to the expediency of friendly co-operation between the two Governments in defence of their common interests.

MR. LABOUCHERE

Do I understand, then, that when the Italians are spoken of as our allies nothing more is meant than the friendly relation which exists between this and any other country?

MR. CURZON

That is exactly the question I have already answered. ["Hear, hear."]

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

May I ask whether her Majesty's Government were consulted by the Italian Government before they entered upon the expedition?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! Notice should be given of that Question.

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