HC Deb 07 October 1941 vol 374 cc822-3
24. Mr. Silverman

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reasons Eritrea has been moved from the jurisdiction of the Middle East High Command; who is now responsible for the administration and control of that area; and what is now the status of the Fascist organisations and authorities formerly exercising authority there?

Captain Margesson

It is intended that Eritrea shall form part of the new East African Command, which has been created in order to relieve the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, of administrative work and to free him for operational responsibilities in the more active theatres of war. This transfer will take place by arrangement between the two Commands at a suitable date. I am not clear what organisations are referred to in the last part of the Question, but there is, of course, no question of any part of the Italian civil administration continuing to exercise authority.