HC Deb 10 July 1934 vol 292 c173
27. Mr. PALMERSir GEORGE GILLETT) (for

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a squadron of the Italian fleet has entered the harbour of Durazzo unannounced; and if he can inform the House whether, in spite of the protests of the Albanian Government, any of these vessels still remain in the harbour?

Mr. EDEN

I am informed that 23 vessels of the Italian fleet visited Durazzo on the 23rd June. Nineteen of them left on the 25th June and the remaining four on the 30th June. My right hon. Friend has received no communication from the Albanian Government regarding the circumstances of the visit. I understand, however, that an official communiqué has been issued in Rome stating that the omission to announce the visit in the usual manner was due to an unfortunate delay in sending the necessary instructions to the Italian Legation at Durazzo.