§ 12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether negotiations have been in progress between the Royal Italian 1190 Government and His Majesty's Government with regard to certain Abyssinian matters, including the future irrigation of the Sudan from the waters of the Blue Nile; and what is the nature of these negotiations and their object?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir. His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government have for some time been seeking to establish a clearer definition of their respective interests in Abyssinia under the Tripartite Agreement of 1906 and previous treaties, and have embodied the result of their discussions in an exchange of Notes, the text of which will be registered with the League of Nations in due course.
§ Lieut. -Commander KENWORTHYSurely that agreement of 1906 is rendered a little obsolete by the adhesion of Abyssinia to the League of Nations?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNot merely in form, but in substance; that is another question.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDid not the adhesion of Abyssinia to the League of Nations make any difference to the attitude of this country as an independent country in the sphere of influence?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI do not accept the hon. and gallant Gentleman's definition, but I would ask him, if he wants to ask further questions, to put them on the Paper.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay we have laid before us the final agreement reached with Italy on this matter?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIn due course.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say when we shall have these Papers laid? It is very important.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI could not say at present.