HC Deb 26 June 1935 vol 303 cc1076-7
15. Mr. MANDER

asked 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. HOARE

The 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 December, 1925, between the United Kingdom and Italy.

Mr. THORNE

Is it not a fact that the quarrel between Italy and Abyssinia is all due to a few million gallons of water?

Sir S. HOARE

That certainly does not arise from the question on the Paper. But if the hon. Member wants an answer, my answer is "No."

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