§ 1 and 2. Mr. Manderasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
- (1) whether, in view of the declaration of war by Italy against this country, the British Government any longer feels itself bound to recognise in the future Italian rights in connection with Ethiopia; and whether the Government holds itself free to consider any proposals that may be laid before it in this connection by His Majesty Haile Selassie, or by the Ethiopian people;
- (2) whether he will make it clear that, under present conditions, the British Government in no way recognises Italian sovereignty over Albania?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)In view of Italy's unprovoked entry into the war against this country, His Majesty's Government hold themselves entitled to reserve full liberty of action in respect of any undertakings given by them in the past to the Italian Government concerning the Mediterranean, North or East African and Middle Eastern areas. The 140 hon. Member may therefore rest assured that his representations are being borne in mind.