HC Deb 14 June 1937 vol 325 cc4-5
4. 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 Abyssinia?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

As the House will be aware, His Majesty's Government have been in prolonged negotiations with the Italian Government with a view to securing permission for the missionaries to return to Abyssinia and continue their work there, or for their places to be taken by substitutes. I regret that these negotiations have not proved successful. The Italian Government have now informed His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome that it is their intention not to entrust to any foreigner, no matter of what religious denomination, the task of setting up any kind of school in Abyssinia; it will be seen, therefore, that this decision applies to all foreign missions irrespective of nationality. The Italian Government have, however, stated that if British religious missions desire to carry out humanitarian and welfare work in Abyssinia apart from any scholastic activity, a request in that sense might in certain conditions be considered. His Majesty's Government regret this decision. They consider that it is a wrong principle on which to proceed. It is not the practice of His Majesty's Government to allow the question of nationality to affect missionary work in British administered territories, but, as the Italian Government have taken this action, His Majesty's Government must reserve the right to consider taking similar action in territories under British administration.

Mr. Henderson

Have the Italian Government at any time given reasons for these expulsions to His Majesty's Government, and, if so, do they accept those reasons?

Mr. Eden

I gather that this is a general decision about all missionaries, covering, I think, the American and French as well as our own. I have stated quite definitely our view.

Mr. Henderson

In that case, is not this action on the part of the Italian Government a breach of Article 11 of the Convention of St. Germains?

Mr. Eden

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. Bellenger

Does the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's answer refer only to Italian missionaries, or does it apply to all missionaries?

Mr. Eden

Only to Italian missionaries.

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