HC Deb 10 November 1937 vol 328 cc1743-5
1. Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the association of Italy with the German-Japanese Anti-Comintern Pact?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Viscount Cranborne)

My hon. Friend will, no doubt, have seen in the public press the text of the agreement concluded since he gave notice of his question, and providing for the accession of Italy to the agreement concluded between the German and Japanese Governments on 25th November, 1936, against the Communist International. For the convenience of the House I am arranging to have it circulated in the official record as my reply to the hon. Member's question.

Mr. Shinwell

What are the Noble Lord's views about this association?

Viscount Cranborne

I do not think I am called upon to express the Government's views on an agreement which has been reached between three other countries.

Mr. Shinwell

Are we to understand that the Government so far have not made up their mind?

Mr. Thurtle

Arising out of the original reply, may I ask the Under-Secretary whether the agreement is in fact against the Communist International and not against Communism generally?

Viscount Cranborne

I think that question should be addressed to the German, Italian and Japanese Governments.

Following is the text of the Protocol signed on 6th November, 1937:

The Italian Government,

The Government of the German Reich,

The Imperial Government of japan,

Considering that the Communist International continues constantly to endanger the civilised world in the West and the East, disturbing and destroying peace and order,

Convinced that only strict collaboration among all the States interested in the maintenance of peace and order, can limit and remove that danger,

Considering that Italy—who with the ad— vent of the Fascist Regime has fought such a danger with inflexible determination and has eliminated the Communist International from her territory—has decided to range herself against the common enemy by the side of Germany and Japan, who for their parts are animated by the same will to defend themselves against the Communist International

Have, in accordance with Article 2 of the Agreement against the Communist International concluded at Berlin on 25th November, 1936, between Germany and Japan, agreed to the following:

Article 1.

Italy participates in (entra a far parte) the Agreement against the Communist Inter— national and in the supplementary Protocol concluded on 25th November, 1936, between Germany and Japan, the text of which is quoted in the annex to the present Protocol.

Article 2.

The three signatory Powers of the present Protocol agree that Italy shall be considered as an original signatory of the Agreement and of the supplementary Protocol mentioned in the preceding Article, the signature of the present Protocol being equivalent to the signature of the original text of the aforesaid Agreement and supplementary Protocol.

Article 3.

The present Protocol will constitute an integral part of the above mentioned Agreement and supplementary Protocol.

Article 4.

The present Protocol is drawn up in Italian, Japanese and German, each text being considered as authentic. It will enter into force on the day of the signature.

In faith of which the undersigned, duly authorised by their respective Governments, have signed the present Protocol and have attached their seals thereto.

Made in triplicate at Rome, the 6th November, 1937: Year 16 of the Fascist Era, which corresponds to 6th Novchber of the 12th year of Syowa.

CIANO.

VON RIBBENTROP.

HOTTA.