HC Deb 13 March 1939 vol 345 cc25-6
36. Lieut-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make as to the recent representations made to the Italian Government concerning Italian troops in Libya; and the delimitation of Italian and British frontiers in Africa?

Mr. Butler

Although His Majesty' s Ambassador in Rome is of course in constant touch with the Italian Government on this subject, there has been no substantial change in the situation since my speech in the Debate on the Adjournment on 27th February. As regards the second part of the question, the position regarding the adjustment of boundaries between Italian East Africa and the Sudan and British adjacent territories, as provided for in the Protocol to the Rome Agreement, is as stated in my answer to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 6th March.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Did not His Majesty's Charge d' Affaires at Rome raise the question of Italian troops in Libya recently, and if that is so, is not the right hon. Gentleman able to give the House any information about what transpired?

Mr. Butler

I said in my answer that our Ambassador and representatives are in constant touch with the Italian Government on this and other matters. The position has not materially changed from the position which I indicated in my speech on 27th February.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is it not the case that in spite of the representations of the Government, the number of Italian troops in Libya represents an infringement of the Anglo-Italian Agreement?