§ Mr. LANSBURY(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign 2016 Affairs whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the export of arms from this country to Italy and Abyssinia?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Samuel Hoare)Yes, Sir. The transit of arms destined for the Government of Ethiopia across British territory or British protected territory adjacent to Ethiopia, will be permitted in accordance with Article 9 of the Treaty of 21st August, 1930. The French Government, I understand, interpret their obligations under the Treaty in the same manner. As to the issue of export licences His Majesty's Government are doing their best to make possible a peaceful outcome to the present unhappy dispute and would not wish to do anything which might prejudice the situation. They will therefore for the present not issue licences for the export of arms from this country either to Italy or to Abyssinia.