SUEZ CANAL.

HC Deb 28 February 1938 vol 332 cc722-3

7. Mr. Wedgwood Benn

asked the Prime Minister whether at any time the Italian Government has asked for a share in the defence of the Suez Canal?

The Prime Minister

I have not caused any search to be made in the Foreign Office archives prior to 1922, but since that date His Majesty's Government are not aware of any request by the Italian Government for a share in the defence of the Suez Canal. An official communiqué was issued in Rome on 27th February in which the reports published by certain newspapers as to Italian claims regarding armed supervision of the Suez Canal are described as fantastic.

Mr. Benn

Then it is not a matter which will be discussed between the two Governments?

The Prime Minister

As there is no such matter, it cannot be discussed.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is this the first time that the head of the Italian Government has said that things are fantastic? Has he not always said that?

20. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the published statement made by Marshal Graziani, in Abyssinia, that the cost to Italy of dues through the Suez Canal amounts to approximately, 1,250 million lire a year; and whether he will assure the House that no question of reduction of the charges to Italy shall form part of any settlement with the Italian Government?

The Prime Minister

The reports of the speech of Marshal Graziani which have reached His Majesty's Government do not bear out the interpretation put upon it by the hon. and gallant Gentleman. With regard to the second part of the question, the terms of the concession granted to the Suez Canal Company and the provisions of the Suez Canal Convention of 1888, which provide for complete equality of treatment for the shipping of all countries using the canal, preclude any question of a special reduction of dues in favour of Italy alone or the exclusion of Italy from the benefits of reduced dues at any time accorded to the vessels of other countries.

Mr. Benn

Has the Prime Minister observed that the rumours about the Suez Canal have caused a fall in the price of shares?

The Prime Minister

No, I have not.