§ 9. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Prime Minister what Government or authority is recognised by His Majesty's Government in those parts of Ethiopia where fighting still continues?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government have recognised Italian rule de jure and de facto over the whole of Ethiopia.
§ 12. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether the Abyssinian refugees now temporarily located in British territories are to be allowed to settle there; or whether, following the recognition of Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia, they are to be regarded as Italian citizens and sent back to Abyssinia?
§ Mr. ButlerIn answer to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the then Secretary of State for the Colonies to a question by the hon. Member for Leyton, West (Mr. Sorensen) on 29th November, 1937. As regards the second part, I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to the future disposal of these refugees. As the Secretary of State for the Colonies assured the House on 15th June, none of these refugees will be sent back to Abyssinia against their own will.
Captain CazaletDoes my right hon. Friend expect the expense of these refugees to be borne entirely by the British Government?
§ Mr. ButlerI think that is a question that ought to be put down.
§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanAre these Abyssinian refugees to be considered now as Italian citizens?
§ Mr. ButlerI think that is purely a matter of conjecture.