§ 8. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Government took part at the January council meeting in the discussions which resulted in the Abyssinian Government suspending its appeal to the League; if so, what arguments were used to induce the Abyssinian Government to take this course; whether copies of the letters signed by the British commissioner, Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. M. Clifford, R.E., of the British Somaliland-Abyssinia Boundary Commission, appearing as annexes in the memorandum submitted by the Abyssinian Government to the League of Nations in January, were communicated to the Government; and, if so, whether the Government will publish its correspondence with Lieutenant-Colonel Clifford?
§ Sir J. SIMONAs regards the first and second parts of the question, the 755 hon. Member is under a misapprehension in thinking that the Ethiopian appeal under paragraph 2, Article XI, of the Covenant has been suspended. As the hon. Member for Wolverhampton East was informed on the 29th January, the council on the 19th January merely adjourned consideration of the appeal, until its next session, in view of the assurances given by both parties that they would seek an amicable settlement of their differences by direct negotiations. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative while, as regards the last part, I do not consider that it would be in the public interest to publish the reports submitted by Colonel Clifford for the confidential information of His Majesty's Government. I would add that the Abyssinian Government officially expressed their appreciation of the assistance which His Majesty's Government rendered in helping to bring about the understanding reached at Geneva on the 19th January between the Italian and Abyssinian Governments.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWill the right hon. Gentleman say what progress has been made with direct negotiations?
§ Sir J. SIMONI require notice of that question.