§ 6. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Prime Minister whether Italy has ceased to be regarded by His Majesty's Government as the aggressor in the Italo-Ethioplan dispute, in view of the fact that fighting still continues in Ethiopla?
§ Mr. ButlerThe views of His Majesty's Government on this subject were stated by the Prime Minister in the course of the Debate on 2nd May and have not changed.
§ Mr. MacMillanIn view of the fact that Italy is still recognised as the aggressor in this case, does His Majesty's Government not consider it would be wise to get a settlement of that dispute, and bring her within the law of nations before making a new agreement with her?
§ Mr. ButlerI do not think I can express the view of the Government better than by referring the hon. Member to column 543 of the OFFICIAL REPORT for 2nd May.
Mr. AlexanderMay I ask the Under Secretary to answer this question—whether, in view of the recognition of Italian sovereignty in Ethiopla, the Government now regard the native people fighting against Italy as aggressors?
§ Mr. ButlerI cannot express the Government's view better than the Prime Minister did on the occasion mentioned.
§ Mr. EdeDo the Government put the present rebels in Ethiopla on the same grounds as General Franco?
Vice-Admiral TaylorIs it not a fact that such fighting as is taking place is between the Italian forces and bandit forces?