HC Deb 20 March 1939 vol 345 c893
22. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister what reply has been received by His Majesty's Chargé Affaires in Rome to his further representations concerning the strength of the Italian forces in Libya?

Mr. Butler

The Counsellor at His Majesty's Embassy in Rome had a further conversation with the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs on 16th March. The position remains unchanged.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is it the case that the position as regards the Italian troops in Libya at present constitutes a breach of the terms of the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

Mr. Butler

We have debated this question and have had questions and answers on it a great number of times, and I do not think that I can add anything to what I have said.

Sir Archibald Sinclair

When the right hon. Gentleman says that the position is unchanged, does he mean that the number of Italian troops in Libya remains at 60,000, as on the last occasion?

Mr. Butler

It remains as I last stated it.

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