54. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether all possible facilities have been afforded to the British and Ethiopian Red Cross to use British territory adjoining Abyssinia, so far as they desire, as a basis for their operations?
Mr. J. H. THOMASThe Governments of Kenya and of British Somaliland have given the Red Cross units working in Abyssinia all possible assistance.
55. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any considerable number of refugees from Abyssinia have passed into British territory; and whether any arrangements have been made for assistance to them?
Miss RATHBONEIn view of recent developments is it not likely that a refugee problem will arise; and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any discussions are in progress as to how such a problem may be met?
Mr. THOMASIf the problem arises, and I hope it will not, we shall give the same generous and benevolent consideration to it as we have done in similar cases in the past.
§ 71. Mr. W. ROBERTSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will recommend to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations that an invitation be extended to the Emperor of Abyssinia to be present at the Council meeting called for 11th May?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Viscount Cranborne)The choice of the Abyssinian representative is not a matter for His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. ROBERTSIf the Emperor of Abyssinia were invited, would the British Government approve?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEI have already said that this question is not a matter for His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESMay I ask the Prime Minister whether, if it should happen that the Emperor applied for the return of all the subscriptions paid by Abyssinia to the League of Nations, be would authorise the British delegates to support it?