§ 2. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to give any further information with reference to the number of the Italian forces in Libya?
§ Mr. ButlerThe information in the possession of my Noble Friend indicates that the Italian Government are carrying out their decision to increase their forces in Libya by 30,000 men.
§ Mr. ButlerI have given the hon. Member the information for which I was asked, and I am afraid that I cannot do any more than that.
§ Mr. DayIs it not the fact that the Foreign Minister in Italy said that when the conditions were normal they could reduce the forces?
§ Mr. ButlerThey are not reducing their forces, and I have just said that they have increased them.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs it not the case that these forces were reduced to a given figure in order to comply with the terms of the Anglo-Italian settlement, and that immediately thereafter they were reinforced again; and if that is the case, what is the exact value of this provision in the Anglo-Italian Agreement?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I have said on several occasions, and notably on 27th February, in answer to questions, the forces were reduced following on the agreement, and recently, we regret to hear, they have been increased.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs it not the case that there is no force or value in this provision in the Anglo-Italan Agreement?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir, I cannot go as far as that.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Italian Government have indicated from what quarter they expect danger to Libya, whether from Egypt, Tunis or the Sudan?
§ Mr. ButlerI cannot answer a question like that on a question on the Order Paper on this subject.
§ Mr. ButlerWhen this increase is finished, they will number approximately the same as they were before the signing of the agreement.
§ Mr. ButlerDouble what it was.
§ Mr. ButlerAbout 60,000.