ABYSSINIA. (Hansard, 26 April 1937)

§ 18. Mr. Arthur Henderson
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in, a position to make a statement with reference to the expulsion of British missionaries from Addis Ababa?

§ Viscount Cranborne
Conversations are still proceeding, and I am not in a position to make a further statement at present.

§ Mr. Henderson
Does the Noble Lord hope to be in a position in the near future to make a statement?

§ Viscount Cranborne
Yes, I hope to make a statement at an early date.

§ 11. Mr. Ede (for Lieut.-Commander Fletcher)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement concerning the treatment by the Italian authorities of the firm of Mahomet Ali at Addis Ababa?

§ Viscount Cranborne
This matter has continued under discussion between His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome and the Italian Government, and between the British Consul-General and the Italian authorities at Addis Ababa. As a result of His Majesty's Government's representations, the Italian Government have undertaken to allow Messrs. Mahomet Ali freedom of action with regard to negotiations for the sale of their business in Abyssinia to Italian interests. They have also assured His Majesty's Government that a reasonable period will be allowed for the negotiations, no fixed time-limit being imposed; and they have stated that they have asked the firm for a list of persons who will be charged with the Liquidation of their interests in Abyssinia. The Italian Government have further informed Sir Eric Drummond that all possible facilities will be given for the export from Abyssinia of the proceeds of the liquidation. So far as the personnel of Messrs. Mahomet Ali's branches in Abyssinia are concerned, the time limit within which they were to leave the country has been extended until 31st May; and on 19th April all restrictions on the sale of the firm's goods were removed.

§ Mr. A. Henderson
Are the Government accepting the allegation that has been made by the Italian Government against this firm?

§ Viscount Cranborne
No, Sir.