§ 15. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it has been the practice of A.M.G.O.T. to disregard the results of free municipal elections held in forward areas in Italy under the auspices of the field security police and to replace officials so elected by the Fascist officials whom they had succeeded; and whether he will see to it that this practice shall now cease.
§ Sir J. GriggI fear the hon. Member has been gravely misinformed. No elections have been or, in the circumstances, could have been held in Italy up to date.
§ Mr. DribergIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is absolutely unimpeachable first-hand eye-witness evidence of the facts set out in my Question, and will he re-investigate the matter, to save himself the humiliation of being hoodwinked by his own subordinates?
§ Sir J. GriggI will certainly investigate the evidence if the hon. Member will send it to me.
§ Mr. RileyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread complaint in the recovered territory of Italy against the action of A.M.G.O.T. in suppressing the wishes of the inhabitants?
§ Sir J. GriggThere, too, if the hon. Member will produce unimpeachable evidence that this is so, I will certainly have it investigated.