§ 9. Mr. LEES SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the protectorate declared by the Italian Government over Albania includes the district of Epirus?
§ Lord R. CECILI have as yet no more detailed information regarding the extent of the Proclamation than that which has appeared in the Press?
Mr. SMITHIs it not the fact that this country is inhabited by a civilised population with Hellenistic sympathies who never wished to be handed over to Italy, and before this protectorate is made effective will steps be taken to ascertain their desires?
§ Lord R. CECILThe population is in many parts rather mixed—some Albanian and some Greek. I do not understand that this Proclamation hands over anything or anybody to Italy. I understand that it is a Proclamation of the independence of Albania under the protection of Italy.
§ Mr. KINGWas the Proclamation made after the Allies had been consulted as to the terms, date, and so forth?
§ Lord R. CECILI should like to have notice of that question.
Mr. SMITHDoes the right hon. Gentleman recollect that when the Italians moved their troops into this district the Italian Minister at Athens made a public statement that the international status of Epirus would not be altered, and that the movement of troops was of a purely temporary character?
§ Lord R. CECILI am afraid I do not know the exact wording of the statement to which the hon. Member refers, but I feel sure whatever the Italian Government has said they will stick to it.