§ 15. Mr. Bennasked the Prime Minister whether he will publish the Maffey Report and will assure the House that the Government is not contemplating, as part of an Anglo-Italian settlement, any annexation to British possessions of Abyssinian territory?
§ The Prime MinisterThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that I stated in the House on 23rd February that I could not pledge myself in advance with regard to any discussions which His Majesty's Government may have with the Italian Government on the subject of Abyssinia. To that statement I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. BennIs the Prime Minister aware that his failure to give an assurance that he will not participate in the dismemberment of Abyssinia will be a great shock to many people?
§ Sir Archibald SinclairIs not the Prime Minister's Government already pledged not to recognise the acquisition of territory by means contrary to the Covenant of the League?
§ The Prime MinisterWe are governed by the terms of the Covenant, like the others who signed it.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWould not the annexation by ourselves of Abyssinia be a plain violation of the Covenant's guarantee of territorial integrity?
§ Mr. PetherickIs it not a fact that many countries which are members of the League have already recognised the Italian Empire?
§ Mr. MacquistenIs it not better to admit facts?