§ 15. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the circumstances under which the Abyssinian Government granted a concession to the British Government in May for the construction of a barrage on Lake Tsana; whether this was in accordance with the British-Italian agreement for mutual diplomatic support in 1925; and whether any concession has been made to Italy arising out of the same agreement?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. No such concession has yet been granted by the Ethiopian Government. The conditions governing the construction of a barrage are still a matter for negotiation with the Ethiopian Government: the circumstances mentioned in the second part of the question are, therefore, hypothetical. His Majesty's Government are unaware of any concession having been granted either to this country or to Italy arising out of the exchange of notes of 1077 December, 1925, between the United Kingdom and Italy.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it not a fact that the quarrel between Italy and Abyssinia is all due to a few million gallons of water?
§ Sir S. HOAREThat certainly does not arise from the question on the Paper. But if the hon. Member wants an answer, my answer is "No."