HC Deb 14 December 1911 vol 32 cc2500-1
Mr. DAVID MASON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the decisions and preparations for the effective occupation of Tripolitania and Cirenaica by Italy were taken with the full knowledge and consent of all the chief States of Europe; and whether the British Government had taken note of it?

Sir E. GREY

As has been already stated in reply to the question asked by the hon. Member for West Bradford on November 22nd, and in reply to the hon. Member for East Mayo on November 2nd, and to the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow on October 26th, the first communication of an intention to occupy Tripoli that His Majesty's Government received was the declaration of war of September 30th. His Majesty's Government at once expressed the intention of issuing a declaration of neutrality. It is probable that a similar notification was addressed to the other Powers, but the consent of His Majesty's Government was, of course, neither asked nor given to such a declaration. It equally goes without saying that the Italian Government did not communicate their military preparations to His Majesty's Government.

Mr. D. MASON

May I ask how he can reconcile that reply with the statement presented by the former Premier of Italy to the British Press that the British. Government had been informed of its intentions, and made a note of them?

Sir E. GREY

I should be glad if the hon. Member would give me that reference, as it is hard to say without the text.

Mr. D. MASON

I shall be very glad to do so now.