HC Deb 22 July 1929 vol 230 cc890-1
19. Lieut-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a note has been handed by His Majesty's Minister to the Vatican with reference to the recent events in Malta; and, if so, what is the nature of the note?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

If my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to a recently published letter from the Pope to the Bishops of Malta and Gozo denouncing the Maltese Government, the answer is in the negative. Though I can as yet make no statement on the subject, the situation created by the despatch of this letter is receiving careful consideration.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I do not know whether it was due to my faulty wording of the question, but my right hon. Friend has not answered what I endeavoured to ask him. Have we presented a Note to the Vatican on behalf of ourselves?

Mr. HENDERSON

Not that I am aware of. I read the question the other way.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May we take it that His Majesty's Government will support the rights of these responsible Governments to look after their own affairs?