§ 58. Mr. DENVILLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as a member of the Council of the League of Nations, he has considered the communciations issued from the Italian Government referring to the use of dum-dum bullets provided by a British armament firm, and relative to the mutilation of men serving in the Italian ranks and the misuse of the emblem of the Red Cross by the Abyssinians; and whether he will make a statement thereupon?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEAs regards the allegation that dum-dum bullets had been provided to the Ethiopian forces by British armament firms, a very careful investigation was made with a view to ascertaining the facts. As a result, it was found that the Italian suggestions in the above respect were entirely baseless, and on 4th February last His Majesty's Government informed the League of Nations accordingly, giving the results of their investigation in detail for the information of all members of the League. As regards the other matters mentioned in my hon. Friend's question, the Italian Government have brought them to the notice of the League of Nations, who have in turn notified the members of the League.
§ Mr. DAYCan the Noble Lord say whether these bullets which were alleged to have been used were supplied by any other Continental nation?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEI should prefer to have notice of that question, but I have no knowledge that dum-dum bullets were actually used.
59. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government or any committee of the League concerned with the war in Abyssinia have made any representations to the Government of the United States of America respecting the abnormal increase in the export of American oil to Italy, or has inquired whether, in the event of an oil sanction being imposed by the League, the United States Government are prepared to act upon the assurance given by Senator Hull to the League Co-ordination Committee on 21st October last that his Government were anxious not to contribute to the prolongation of the war?
§ Viscount CRANBORNENo, Sir.
60. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will consider making a grant to the British or the Abyssinian Red Cross for the succour of Abyssinians injured in the war?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEThe policy of His Majesty's Government towards the Italo-Abyssinian war is in all respects based on collective action by the League of Nations. My right hon. Friend does not, therefore, consider that an individual initiative of the nature proposed would be appropriate.
Miss RATHBONECan the Noble Lord say whether since the profits derived by His Majesty's Government from the sale of oil for the fuelling of machines to bomb the Abyssinians is a private matter and not a matter for the League, it would not be appropriate to use some of these profits for the relief of the victims and the provision of food?
Viscount CRAMBORNEAll action by His Majesty's Government in this dispute is collective, and will continue to be so.
Miss RATHBONEIn what sense is the supply of oil by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company a collective action?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEIf there is agreement by all members of the League that the export of oil to Italy should be stopped, His Majesty's Government will certainly play their part.