§ 43. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the precise terms of the agreement signed by the Emperor of Abyssinia before leaving French territory limiting his freedom of political action in Palestine?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I need hardly say that His Majesty's Government at no time contemplated asking the Emperor to sign any such agreement in return for the offer of passage in His Majesty's Ship "Enterprise" from Jibuti to Palestine. I have already explained that the offer of this passage was a mark of courtesy to the Emperor, and that it was made in accordance with the message which was conveyed to His Majesty's Minister in 199 Addis Ababa that His Majesty desired to proceed with his family to Palestine. His Majesty's Government were anxious to be of assistance to the Emperor, but the hon. Member must remember that His Majesty has renounced the direction of affairs, and it was in consequence not unreasonable to suggest that in these circumstances he should be expected not to participate in any way in the furtherance of hostilities.
§ Mr. MANDERWas it the French or the British Government which imposed those conditions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should not use the word "imposed." The British Government put themselves to considerable inconvenience to render that courtesy.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes that mean that the Emperor is precluded from taking any political or diplomatic action on behalf of his country?
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the treatment is better or worse than was accorded by the Government of the Netherlands to the British soldiers who were forced into the Netherlands during the War?
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESDoes the Prime Minister recognise that renunciation of the direction of affairs does not involve renunciation of the throne, and that the Emperor was compelled by force of arms to renounce the direction of affairs; and whether, in those circumstances, the Emperor will be precluded from resuming the direction of affairs when he is able to do so?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is an entirely different question, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down.
§ 44. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to state whether the Emperor of Abyssinia will be permitted freedom of transit and action in Member States of the League of Nations other than Italy; and whether he may proceed, in particular, to Geneva and London?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Member may rest assured that any wishes 200 the Emperor may express concerning his future movements will be accorded most careful consideration.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes that mean that, in accordance with the usual tradition of this country, a request from the Emperor to come here would not be refused?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would rather wait until the desire of the Emperor is ascertained.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes the Prime Minister not think that if the Emperor ever does come here he will get a better reception than Mussolini?
§ 45. Mr. GARRO-JONESasked the Prime Minister whether the Ethiopian Emperor has made any application to the British Government regarding his future place of domicile; and what reply has been given?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not therefore arise.
§ The PRIME MINISTERPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.
Miss RATHBONEIs the Prime Minister aware that there are large sections of public opinion in this country who would warmly welcome the opportunity of showing honour to the head of, a State Member of the League of Nations who has actually fulfilled his obligations and kept his pledges?
§ 50. Mr. GARRO-JONESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Imperial Ethiopian Minister in London is still recognised as the accredited representative of his country; and whether His Majesty's Government recognise the authority of the Ethiopian Ministers outside Addis Ababa from whom the London Minister derives his credentials?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is Yes, Sir. As regards the second part of the question, I would point out that the Minister derives his authority from the Emperor.
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESHow does it come about that the Prime Minister has 201 rejected the authority of the Emperor to interfere in his country's affairs, and permits that authority to his Minister?
§ Mr. MICHAEL BEAUMONTIs it not a fact that the Prime Minister has not rejected the authority of the Emperor, but that the Emperor has surrendered it?
§ 51. Mr. GARRO-JONESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any instructions have been despatched to Sir Sydney Barton to guide him in his attitude to the Italian army of occupation; and, if so, whether these instructions involve tacit or implied recognition of Italian authority?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe instructions of Sir Sydney Barton are to proceed on the basis that there should be accorded to the Italian military authorities that recognition to which an army in military occupation of enemy territory is entitled under the principles of international law.