HC Deb 04 May 1938 vol 335 cc856-7
25. Miss Rathbone

asked the Prime Minister how many British consular or other representatives remain in Ethiopia, and in what towns they are stationed?

Mr. Butler

There are five British consular officers at Addis Ababa and two at Harar.

Miss Rathbone

As there are only consular officers in two towns in Ethiopia, upon what is the information based that Italian control of Ethiopia is practically complete?

Mr. Butler

I have said that there are seven consular officers and that they are in those two places, and they send us reliable information.

Miss Rathbone

Can that reliable information refer to anything but to the towns in the neighbourhood?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Lady underrates the abilities of our consular officers.

26. Miss Rathbone

asked the Prime Minister how many British firms or banks still have representatives in Ethiopia, and in what cities?

Mr. Butler

My latest information is that in October last there were some 35 British companies registered with His Majesty's Consular Officers in Ethiopia. In most of these the predominating interest was Indian and they were situated in Addis Ababa, though a few operated in outlying places. There are no British banks in Ethiopia.

Miss Rathbone

Do I understand that the Indian or British representatives of those firms are still in Addis Ababa?

Mr. Butler

So I understand.

28. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say if His Majesty's Government will lay a motion before the Council of the League of Nations concerning the recognition of Italian sovereignty in Abyssinia; if so, what are the terms of that motion; and, if not, what procedure it is intended to adopt with regard to this item of the Council's agenda?

The Prime Minister

The position of His Majesty's Government with regard to the recognition of Italian sovereignty over Ethiopia was explained in the course of the Debate on 2nd May. It is for the Council to decide upon the procedure to be followed in considering the question which His Majesty's Government have placed upon the agenda, and I cannot make any forecast on the subject.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Can the Prime Minister tell the House whether His Majesty's Government intend to propose any definite course of action with regard to the recognition of Italian authority in Ethiopia?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir, I cannot say that at present.

Mr. Noel-Baker

If that is so, why has the right hon. Gentleman said in a note to Signor Mussolini that we were desirous that the obstacles to recognition should be removed by members of the League?

The Prime Minister

Because that represented the fact.

Several Hon. Members rose

Mr. Speaker

rose

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Are we not entitled to question the right hon. Gentleman?