HC Deb 30 June 1926 vol 197 cc1120-1
3. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with reference to Treaty Series No. 16, 1926, Cmd. 2680, whether this closes the diplomatic proceedings for the economic partition of Abyssinia; whether the agreement of the Government of the French Republic has been obtained; whether the agreement of the Royal Government of Abyssinia has been obtained; whether arrangements have been made for road building, barrage works, etc., for the Blue Nile on Abyssinian territory; and by whom this work is to be carried out, and who will finance it?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The exchange of Notes with the Italian Government provides that the two Governments undertake to afford each other mutual support in furtherance of their respective interests in Abyssinia and cannot by any latitude in interpretation be held to import economic partition.

The recent Anglo-Italian Agreement, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, has already been communicated to the French and Abyssinian Governments for their information, but, as it is a bilateral instrument, their acceptance of its subject-matter must be sought in separate correspondence. The French Government are considering the matter and no negotiations will be initiated with the Abyssinian Government until the latter have had time to consider the present Agreement in detail. Until this exchange of views between His Majesty's Government and the Abyssinian Government has taken place, there can of course be no question of making any arrangements for such works as are contemplated in the Anglo-Italian exchange of Notes.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it contemplated that these works will be undertaken by a company or by His Majesty's Government direct?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I have not begun to think how the works shall be Undertaken if the Abyssinian Government agrees to their execution. We have not reached that stage yet.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay Papers dealing with the correspondence between ourselves and the French Government?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot say what I will lay until the correspondence is completed.