HC Deb 18 March 1936 vol 310 cc409-10
3. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the Italo-Abyssinian dispute and the meetings of the Committees of Eighteen and Thirteen; and whether it is proposed to apply further sanctions?

Viscount CRANBORNE

In the reply which I gave my hon. Friend, the Member for Colchester (Mr. Lewis) on 16th March, I stated that the Committee of Thirteen would meet as soon as practicable to take cognisance of the replies of the Italian and Ethiopian Governments to the Committee's appeal for the immediate opening of negotiations. Until this meeting has taken place it would be premature for me to make any statement as regards the future proceedings of the Committee of Eighteen, which must be largely guided by the results of that meeting.

Mr. MANDER

Can the Noble Lord give an assurance that in the larger crisis that has arisen Abyssinia will not be sacrificed?

Viscount CRANBORNE

All considerations will be taken into account.