HC Deb 22 November 1937 vol 329 cc837-8
25. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any conversations have taken place with the Italian Government concerning the treaties entered into between Italy and this country or other countries in reference to Abyssinia?

Mr. Eden

Within the last 12 months the only conversation of this nature has been with regard to Lake Tsana. On 31st December last the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs confirmed to His Majesty's Ambassador the assurance given by Count Grandi at the Foreign Office on 3rd April, 1936, the substance of which I communicated to the House in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Bassetlaw Division of Nottingham (Mr. Bellenger) on rith November, 1936.

Mr. Bellenger

As this matter is the subject of a treaty, why is it necessary to get the assurance of the Italian Government?

Mr. Eden

The hon. Member is not satisfied if I get it, and he is not satisfied if I do not.