HC Deb 06 March 1939 vol 344 cc1735-6
12. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to commence the discussion on the adjustment of boundaries between Italian East Africa and the Sudan and British adjacent territories, as provided for in the protocol to the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

Mr. Butler

Consultation is taking place with the Egyptian Government regarding the adjustment of the boundary between Italian East Africa and the Sudan. It is contemplated that as soon as this consultation is terminated, His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome will submit to the Italian Government a memorandum embodying the proposals of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom for the adjustment of the boundaries between Italian East Africa on the one hand and Kenya and British Somaliland on the other, and a second memorandum, jointly with the Egyptian Minister in Rome, containing proposals for the adjustment of the boundary between Italian East Africa and the Sudan.

Mr. Henderson

Are these discussions to take place through the media of memoranda or by conference?

Mr. Butler

I shall want notice of that question.

Mr. Benn

Will the House of Commons see these maps, and shall we be assured that Abyssinia really has been conquered by the Italians?

Mr. Butler

I am sure the House will be kept fully informed.

21. Mr. W. Roberts

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the expiry of the agreement with the Italian Government concerning British Somaliland on 1st March, 1939, any new agreement has been made or discussed, and whether, in the absence of any new agreement he will give an assurance that Members will be consulted before any extension or replacement of the present agreement takes place?

Mr. Butler

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the agreements, laid before the House as Command Paper No. 5773, regarding the grazing rights in Italian East Africa for British-protected Somali tribes and regarding transit facilities across British Somaliland. As grazing facilities in Italian East Africa are necessary for British-protected Somali tribes during the coming months, the Italian Government have, at the request of His Majesty's Government, consented to extend the agreements for six months.