HC Deb 01 May 1935 vol 301 cc348-9
2. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the situation between Italy and Abyssinia, and the appeal of the latter to the Council of the League of Nations, were considered by representatives of the British and Italian Governments at Stresa; and whether any opportunity was afforded to the Abyssinian Government to take part in the discussions or put its point of view?

Sir J. SIMON

No, Sir, the Italo-Ethiopian dispute was never on the agenda of the Stresa Conference and the subject was not discussed there. The second part of the question therefore does not arise. I ought to add that informal conversations took place at Stresa between British and Italian officials on matters connected with the watering and grazing rights of nomadic British Somali tribes in certain zones outside the boundary of British Somaliland. But that, of course, does not touch the merits of the Italo-Abyssinian dispute.

Mr. MANDER

Do I understand that there were no informal conversations at Stresa about the Abyssinian dispute?

Sir J. SIMON

I think my answer is quite clear.

4. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to arbitration between Italy and Abyssinia under the terms of the 1928 treaty; and whether this is to include, in addition to the Walwal and subsequent incidents, the question of the interpretation of the frontier treaty of 1908?

Sir J. SIMON

As regard, the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Wentworth (Mr. Paling). As regards the second part, no agreement has, so far as I am aware, yet been reached between the two parties on the terms of reference of the proposed Conciliation Commission. As I understand it, both the formation of the Conciliation Commission, and its terms of reference are matters for direct negotiation between the two parties who are in touch on these matters.

Mr. MANDER

Is it not very important that the whole of the questions in dispute should be included, and will His Majesty's Government do everything possible to persuade both parties to accept that position?

Sir J. SIMON

We have done everything possible and shall continue to do so to help both of these parties, who are in good relations with ourselves, but, as I have said, the terms of reference are really a matter for negotiation between the two parties, and I very much hope they will come to terms about them