HC Deb 17 July 1935 vol 304 cc1023-5
6. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information regarding the meeting of the Conciliation Commission on the Italo-Abyssinian dispute at Scheveningen; and whether the Commission has any power to call witnesses?

Sir S. HOARE

As regards the first part of the question, the Italo-Ethiopian Conciliation Commission which, after a preliminary meeting in Milan, reassembled in Holland on 25th June, adjourned sine die on 9th July, having failed to reach agreement. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

9. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to state the present position with regard to the request made by the Abyssinian Government for the appointment by the Council of the League of Nations of neutral observers to be sent to the frontiers between Italy and Abyssinia; and whether the British Government intends to support the request?

Sir S. HOARE

The request of the Abyssinian Government to which the hon. Member refers has been communicated by the Secretary-General of the League to His Majesty's Government and to the other members of the Council, who will no doubt be called upon to consider it at the Council's next meeting. It would not be proper for me to disclose beforehand the attitude which the British representative will take up, or to attempt to prejudge the decision which, after taking into consideration all the information before it, the Council may see fit to take.

Mr. MANDER

Do I understand that it will definitely come up at the meeting of the Council which is shortly to be held?

Sir S. HOARE

Yes, Sir; I understand that that is almost certainly the case.

10. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any action has been taken, or is contemplated, with regard to the withholding of licences for the export of arms to Italy or Abyssinia at the present time?

Sir S. HOARE

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 15th July to a question put by the hon. Member for the English Universities (Miss Rathbone), to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. MANDER

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no action, at any rate, will be taken to place Abyssinia at a disadvantage?

Sir S. HOARE

As I told my hon. Friend on the 15th July, the whole subject is under consideration, and I hope to be able to make a statement on it shortly.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the views that were expressed, at the time of the Chinese-Japanese trouble, with regard to the exports of armaments from this country?

Mr. BUCHANAN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman yin the meantime not to make a decision such as handing over territory, and start us in another war?