§ 5. Mr. SORENSENasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Sikh troops taken to Addis Ababa to guard the British Legation during the period of the Italian invasion of Ethiopia were recently inspected by the official representative of Italy in Addis Ababa; and whether it is the practice to permit the inspection of His Majesty's troops by the representatives of States or conquests which are not recognised by His Majesty's Government?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)When the decision of His Majesty's Government to remove these troops was communicated to Marshal Graziani, the latter offered to provide transport for them to the station at Addis Ababa, to furnish a guard of honour there, and to be present himself at the departure of the contingent. This offer on the part of the authority in military occupation of Addis Ababa was accepted by His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires with the full approval of His Majesty's Government.
§ Miss WILKINSONIn view of the fact that Italy has behaved so badly to the League in this matter, does the right hon. Gentleman think it right that we should accept courtesies, in the circumstances?
§ Mr. EDENNothing at all connected with recognition or any question of that kind arose. This was an act of military courtesy, and I think it should be accepted as such.
§ Mr. SORENSENMay not Italy accept this as a stage towards recognition of her conquest in Abyssinia?
§ Mr. EDENI am quite certain that the act was merely an act of courtesy, so intended and so accepted.
§ Mr. SORENSENArising out of this, could the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the Italian Government that they should be even more courteous to the Abyssinians?