§ 62. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Italian authorities have recently been recruiting natives in Aden and British Somaliland for military service in Ethiopia; whether such recruiting has been carried on with the knowledge and approval of the British authorities; and whether he will take steps to prevent such recruiting?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)I am not aware that the position is as stated by the hon. Member, and such recruitment is not permitted by the authorities in either British Somaliland or Aden.
§ Mr. HendersonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the information contained in this question has been received from a reliable authority, and will he make inquiries into the matters contained in the question?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI have no such information, and I am not aware that it has come from any reliable authority. If the hon. Member has any such information, I should be grateful if he would let me have it, so that I can examine it.