78. Duchess of Athollasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that four Italian divisions are in the front line of the insurgent forces which are advancing through Catalonia towards the Mediterranean; that the offensive of which this advance forms part began a week or two after the commencement of negotiations between this country and Italy; and whether, under these circumstances, he is prepared to continue those negotiations?
§ Mr. ButlerI am, of course, aware that a number of Italian troops are reported to be taking part in the present offensive. 1314 But, as regards the condition in which the negotiations with Italy were undertaken, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 24th March.
Duchess of AthollDid not the Prime Minister say on 24th March that a condition of the negotiations must be that there was no material change in the situation by sending reinforcements, and that he looked to Italy to withdraw troops and arms; and is it not clear that the Italians, by the prominent part they are taking in the advance, are materially affecting the fortunes of the fighting in Spain?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Prime Minister's words were that he had never demanded or expected from the Italian Government that they should effect a unilateral withdrawal.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that Signor Mussolini has implemented the British formula for the evacuation of foreign troops?