§ 46. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister what persons in addition to the Ambassador and his staff at Rome have recently been authorised to hold conversations officially or unofficially with the Italian Government on the subject of Anglo-Italian negotiations?
§ The Prime MinisterNo one but the Ambassador or his staff has at any time been authorised to hold official or unofficial conversations with the Italian Government on the subject of Anglo-Italian negotiations.
§ Mr. ManderThen I understand there is no foundation whatever for the widespread reports in the Press to the contrary, and that there has been no expenditure of public money?
§ The Prime MinisterCertainly, the hon. Member is fully justified in drawing that conclusion.
§ 56. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement with reference to the pledge of the late Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs not to undertake negotiations with Italy until anti-British propaganda had ceased; and whether the Government will still observe that pledge?
§ The Prime MinisterI have examined carefully the various statements made on this question by the late Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and I can find nothing in them that can be interpreted as a pledge binding His Majesty's Government not to undertake negotiations with Italy until all anti-British propaganda has ceased. In these circumstances, the second part of the question does not arise.
§ Mr. ManderDo I understand that there is another difference of opinion between the Prime Minister and the late Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, the only difference of opinion is between the hon. Member and my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. ManderHas the propaganda, in fact, ceased?
§ The Prime MinisterI believe it has.