§ 8. Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to an official proclamation commending the House of Savoy to the Italian people; and whether, in order to prevent misunderstanding, he will make a statement on the subject?
§ Mr. EdenAs a mater of accuracy, I think the hon. Member will find that the proclamation did not commend the House of Savoy to the Italian people. It commended the House of Savoy for getting rid of Mussolini. I cannot believe that the hon. Member would quarrel with that.
§ Mr. CocksWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the opinion of the majority of people here, in America and in Russia is that the whole House of Savoy is not worth a single Brussels sprout and should be sent to the garbage heap with the other Fascists?
§ Captain Alan GrahamIs it not a fact that among the Italian people the House of Savoy still retains considerable popularity?
§ Mr. ShinwellHas the right hon. Gentleman any definite information that the House of Savoy did get rid of Mussolini? Was it not taken on the initiative of the Italian people?
§ Mr. EdenWe could go on discussing these things for a long time. As far as my reports go, which are only those in the Press, I understand that it was the decision of the Grand Council. I have no idea what part the King played.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDoes the House gain anything by indulging in childish rudeness about the heads of other States?