HC Deb 15 May 1939 vol 347 cc973-4
20. Mr. Davidson

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have received any statement from the Italian Government in accordance with that part of the British-Italian agreement which arranges for the exchange of supplementary military information; and has reference been made to the recent German-Italian military agreement?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. Exchanges of supplementary military information have taken place. The second part of the question does not arise, since the agreement is only concerned with the exchange of information about actual movements of naval, military, and air forces.

Mr. Davidson

Is not the second part of the question covered by the agreement dealing with supplementary military information, which is not qualified in any respect in the agreement itself?

Mr. Butler

Any such information simply refers to the actual movement of naval, military, and air forces.

Mr. Davidson

Does that reply indicate that His Majesty's Government knew nothing of the impending German-Italian alliance?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Have not the Government received information about the movement of Italian troops in Spain since the agreement was made?

Mr. Butler

I should want notice of particular cases.

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