HC Deb 24 January 1940 vol 356 cc555-6
11. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether the exchange of military information affecting the Mediterranean and Near East areas, as provided in the Anglo-Italian Agreement of 1938, has taken place?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. Annex 2 of the Anglo-Italian Agreement of 16th April, 1938, provides for the exchange of information regarding any major prospective administrative movements or redistribution of naval, military or air forces within the areas specified during the month of January of each year. An exchange of information on military matters has already taken place, and similar exchanges on naval and air matters will be completed before the end of the month.

12. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether negotiations have now been opened between His Majesty's Government and the Italian Government with a view to a definite agreement on the boundaries between the Sudan, Kenya and British Somaliland on the one. side and Italian East Africa on the other, and with regard to other questions affecting British and Italian interests, respectively, as provided in the Anglo-Italian Agreement of 1938?

The Prime Minister

In the spring of 1939 certain proposals were made to the Italian Government for the regulation of the frontiers between Italian East Africa on the one hand, and the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, Kenya and British Somaliland on the other. In August last, immediately prior to the outbreak of war, the Italian Government stated that they were unable to accept these proposals, and this and related questions therefore require further consideration.