§ 7. Mr. W. Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he 2 has any information to show what proportion of Ethiopia is now effectively controlled and administered by the Italian Government?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)I have been asked to reply. The information in the possession of the Foreign Office goes to show that there have been sporadic outbursts of disaffection amongst the native population, especially in Western Abyssinia. The Italian military authorities are understood to be taking steps to deal with these; and to be in general control of virtually the whole country. So far as we are aware, civil administration is established in the main centres of population.
§ Mr. RobertsWould it be right to think that the Italian Government controls, perhaps, half of Abyssinia now?
§ Sir J. SimonI could not add to my answer.
§ Mr. CocksCan the Noble Lord say what proportion of the British Cabinet is controlled in the same way?