HC Deb 10 March 1937 vol 321 cc1119-20
1. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any information has been received in his Department in regard to refugees from Abyssinia; whether any members of the armed forces in Abyssinia have crossed the Abyssinian frontiers into British territory; whether any women and children have accompanied them; what is the total number of refugees now in British territory; and what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards these refugees?

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

According to my latest Information, there are about 442 refugees from Abyssinia in territories in which His Majesty's Government have administrative responsibility. Of this number, about 70 are in the Sudan, 273 in British Somaliland, 55 in Palestine, 32 in Aden and 12 in Kenya. There are also in the Sudan some 1,500 natives of Arab origin, who fled there from the intertribal fighting which took place last year in Beni Shangul, a province in Abyssinia adjoining the Sudan frontier. The refugees include men, women and children. They are being cared for, but it is required of them that they should not attempt further hostilities in Ethiopia. The details connected with their admission are being dealt with by the local authorities.

Mr. Gallacher

Is any arrangement made whereby the League of Nations takes responsibility for the care of these refugees?

Mr. Eden

I think that at the moment it is we who are doing it.

25. Miss Rathbone

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he intends to take any action at the Council of the League of Nations with respect to the violation of the laws of war committed by the Italian troops in their massacre of unarmed civilians at Addis Ababa; and whether any remonstrance on the subject has been addressed by His Majesty's Government to the Italian Government?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir.

26. Lieut.-Commander

Fletcher asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Ras Desta was brought to trial or not before being executed?

Mr. Eden

I have no information on this point.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the very circumstantial reports that this brave and patriotic chief was executed without trial, and is not such conduct contrary to all dictates of justice, civilisation and decency?