§ 5. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will not recognise the Italian Government's claim to Ethiopia until they have satisfied themselves by independent inquiry that the Italian authorities are in complete de facto military and civil control of the whole of the country?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government are satisfied as to the accuracy of the information contained in the reply given 373 to the hon. Member on nth April, and they are not prepared to support any proposal for an independent inquiry of the nature suggested.
§ Mr. HendersonSurely His Majesty's Government are going to follow the usual international practice, and refuse to recognise any conquest unless the Italian Government are in complete occupation of the whole country?
§ Mr. ButlerI have told the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government are not prepared to adopt his suggestion. In previous answers I have told him our information with regard to the present position in Abyssinia.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennHas the information given by the Emperor of Ethiopia at Geneva been brought to the notice of the Cabinet?
§ Mr. ButlerI think the Cabinet are fully aware of these matters.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerHas the hon. Gentleman taken notice of the information given by the Frenchman, M. Pecheral, who was personally in Abyssinia with the Abyssinian forces in the field a few weeks ago?
§ Mr. ButlerI have not personally seen it.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIf I send it to the Minister, will he take it into consideration?
§ Mr. HendersonIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.
23. Mr. J. J. Davidsonasked the Prime Minister whether the Government, as a result of recent discussions and decisions at the League of Nations, have reconsidered their attitude to the question of the alleged conquest of Abyssinia; and has he any statement to make?
§ Mr. ButlerThe answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.
Mr. DavidsonIs the Minister aware that the Abyssinian representative at the League of Nations gave definite evidence, which could not be refuted by the British representative, in connection with the alleged conquest of Abyssinia?
§ Mr. ButlerWe have already had one question on this subject, and I informed the House that the information in our possession had been given to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) earlier.
Mr. DavidsonIn view of the fact that since then evidence has been submitted which has not been refuted by the British representative at the League, has the Government reconsidered the position?
§ Mr. ButlerThe position is as stated in the answer I have given.