HC Deb 11 May 1938 vol 335 cc1558-9
19. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have received a Note from the Emperor of Ethiopia relating to the present situation in Ethiopia; and whether as the Note alleges that over at least half the country there is no Italian military control, he is prepared to further the Ethiopian Government's expressed desire for an international investigation of the real facts of the existing situation in Ethiopia?

The Prime Minister

His Majesty's Government have received no Note from the Emperor of Ethiopia relating to the present situation in that country, but the hon. Member presumably refers to a pamphlet recently issued by the Ethiopian Legation on this subject. His Majesty's Government are not prepared to support a proposal for an international investigation into the situation in Ethiopia.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the fact that there is direct conflict between the claims of the Italian Government and the view of the Ethiopian Government as to whether the Italian military authorities are in complete possession of the country, should not the real facts of the situation be ascertained before a decision is taken by the Council of the League?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by such an inquiry.

Mr. Petherick

Would not the claims of the Emperor of Ethiopia be very much stronger if he had remained in Ethiopia instead of having come to this country?

Mr. Thurtle

Does not the Prime Minister think the victim of aggression still has some rights in this matter?

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