§ 12. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government have no territorial claims to make against Abyssinia?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 4th February, His Majesty's Government have no territorial ambitions in Abyssinia.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCan the right hon. Gentleman take this opportunity of denying the persistent rumours that His Majesty's Government have plans under which certain territories are to be partitioned?
§ Mr. ButlerI cannot say more than my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said a short time ago. I should have thought that would have been sufficient.
§ Captain McEwenHave we received any invitation from the Negus to take over the administration of any part of Abyssinia?
§ Mr. ButlerI think we had better just go on mopping it up first.
§ 14. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that any political officers now being appointed to take over centres of administration in Abyssinia are doing so with the consent and approval of the Emperor Haile Selassie?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir.