HC Deb 14 July 1937 vol 326 cc1249-50
50. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can tell the House the purpose of the agreement recently concluded with the Italian Government concerning the use of the roads in British Somaliland?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The agreement concerning grazing rights and transit trade which the hon. Member has in mind was concluded in January last, between representatives of the Government of British Somaliland and appropriate Italian authorities with the object of facilitating transit traffic between British Somaliland and adjacent territories.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Have the Italians a right to make up roads in British Somaliland?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I do not think so. The hon. Member knows that the frontier is very vaguely defined and tribes on both sides in different seasons of the year are liable to cross the border. There must be an interim arrangement. I cannot recollect the details.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the agreement is not being used to assist the Italians in their repressive measures against the unhappy Abyssinian people?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

There are no Italian forces in British Somaliland, and I resent very much the insinuation of the hon. Member.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I apologise if I have not made myself clear. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Italians are, in fact, engaged in hositilities against the Abyssinians in the Ogaden, and that they have no means of transport from the Ogaden except through British Somaliland. Is the purpose of this agreement to facilitate their activities?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I dispute altogether that there are no means of transport to the Ogaden except through British Somaliland, and there is no foundation for the suggestion that we have permitted Italian or any other forces to proceed through British Somaliland.