§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether, in the negotiations for an agreement between His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government, any request has been made for the incorporation of some Abyssinian territory in adjacent British territories by way of frontier rectification or otherwise, and for the affirmation of British rights or claims in relation to Lake Tsana?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I have more than once informed the House, I am not in a position at present to give any information regarding the subject of the discussions now proceeding in Rome.
§ Mr. AttleeIs it not possible for the Prime Minister to give a specific denial to the allegation which is made in many quarters that His Majesty's Government are prepared to make a profit out of the sufferings of Abyssinia?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware of any such absurd allegation. It is not the usual practice to discuss the details of negotiations before they are concluded, and I do not wish to make a breach in that practice.
§ Sir Percy HarrisShall we have a statement on the subject before we go away for our holidays?
§ The Prime MinisterI think not.