§ 5. Mr. Pilkingtonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent Italian broadcasts alleging the use of 2037 poison gas by British bombing aeroplanes on tribes near Aden; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir, my attention has been drawn to the Italian broadcasts in question. The allegations regarding the use of poison gas are entirely unfounded. With regard to the second part of my hon. Friend's question, His Majesty's Government consider that the publication of the true facts of this case constitutes sufficient action.
§ Mr. PilkingtonCould not the right hon. Gentleman ask the Italian Government to have broadcast a definite denial of these allegations?
§ Mr. PalingIs it not a fact that we did bomb these natives, and cannot a more humane way be found of dealing with these delinquents, especially as our brutalities are taken as an excuse by other countries?
§ Mr. EdenThat is another question which should not be addressed to me. What I am dealing with is an entirely false statement.
§ 28. Commander Locker-Lampsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the anti-British propaganda, which was broadcast from Italy in Arabic for subversive purposes in Palestine, has now ceased?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)So far as I can ascertain, there have been no such broadcasts as would call for further representations to the Italian Government.
§ Mr. ManderIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that during the last few days there has been such a broadcast in Somaliland?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreHis Majesty's Government know nothing of it, and have no reason to believe that it took place.
§ Mr. ManderMay I send the right hon. Gentleman a paper containing particulars?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreIf what the hon. Gentleman proposes to send me is simply a Press cutting, I would like to know what is the authority for the statement?
§ Mr. ManderSomebody who heard it and wrote at the time.
§ Brigadier-General Sir Henry CroftHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to whether this was not in Italian Somaliland?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI think that is quite likely.