§ 7. Mr. LEACHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the Government's intention to resist efforts at Geneva to recognise the Italian conquest of Abyssinia or to exclude Abyssinia from the League?
§ Mr. EDENThe question of the position of Abyssinia in relation to the League is not likely to arise before the next meeting of the Assembly, and when it does it will be for the Assembly to deal with it in the light of the circumstances as they then exist. It is therefore impossible for me at the present moment to state the attitude which His Majesty's Government would adopt in the hypothetical circumstances contemplated by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. LEACHCan the right hon. Gentleman give us some assurance that no change of policy towards this unfortunate country is contemplated by the Government?
12. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to replace the legation at Addis Ababa by a Consulate-General, and, if so, whether this implies recognition of any change of the status of Italy in Abyssinia consequent on her successful aggression; and, alternatively, will he give an assurance that no such change will be made until the House has had an opportunity of expressing its opinion?
§ Mr. EDENThe question of British representation in occupied Abyssinia has been for some time under consideration with special reference to the problems arising from the retention of a diplomatic mission accredited to a government which no longer exercises any local authority. In any case it is not the intention of His Majesty's Government to accord de jure recognition of the annexation of Abyssinia.