16. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is by the order or advice of His Majestys' Government that the Emperor of Abyssinia has been refused permission to return to Abyssinia through the Sudan; and, if so, for what reason?
§ Viscount CRANBORNENo request of the nature indicated in the first part of the hon. Member's question has been received. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.
Miss RATHBONEin the event of those who believe that is the Emperor's wish proving to be rightly informed, will the Government give facilities for his return to his own country?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEIt seems to me a matter in which we should wait until the Emperor has expressed his wish.
17. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is by the order or advice of His Majesty's Government that messages telegraphed by the Emperor of Abyssinia to Ras Imru at Gore were diverted from the Cairo-Khartoum route to Asmara, with the result that they fell into Italian hands?
§ Viscount CRANBORNENo, Sir. My right hon. Friend has no knowledge of the messages referred to.
Miss RATHBONEWill the noble Lord be good enough to make inquiries to ascertain whether it is not so?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEI have made inquiries, and there is no knowledge of these messages.