§ 19. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Prime Minister whether a settlement in the Ethiopian conflict has yet been reached by the Italian and Ethiopian Governments in accordance with international law, or whether fighting still continues?
§ Mr. ButlerAccording to the information in my Noble Friend's possession, the Italian Government have now established control over Ethiopia with the exception of a particular area in which it is known that resistance is still being offered.
§ Mr. MacMillanMy question was whether a settlement has been reached in accordance with international law, and has the hon. Gentleman answered that point by saying that according to the information in the possession of the Foreign Office the Italian Government have established control?
§ Mr. ButlerI have done my best, after studying the hon. Member's question, to give him a reply, and my reply states the position as we appreciate it.
§ Mr. MacMillanDoes the hon. Gentleman really say whether a settlement has been reached in accordance with international law? That is the question on the Paper. I am not asking for the opinion of the hon. Member or the Government.
§ Mr. ButlerI have given my answer by stating the position as seen by His Majesty's Government at the present time.
§ Mr. MacMillanOn a point of Order. The question on the Paper, which is addressed to the Prime Minister, or his deputy, asks for an answer which must be based upon the recognised authority in international law, which is the League of Nations, and the hon. Member replies by giving the opinion of His Majesty's Government. I want to know whether the settlement is recognised in terms of international law?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member has received a reply, but it is the experience of hon. Members that replies are not always satisfactory to them.