HC Deb 02 February 1944 vol 396 cc1248-9
4. Mr. Ivor Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will ask for the removal of Dino Philipson from any position of influence in or over the Italian Government at Bari, in view of his anti-British attitude and his introduction of Fillippo Naldi into the Press Bureau.

Mr. Eden

Inquiries are being made about Dino Philipson, and until they are completed I have no statement to make about him.

Mr. de Rothschild

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that from the beginning of the Mussolini era, Dino Philipson was a strong opponent of Fascism, and that he spent many years in prison?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, I have had some information to that effect, but I thought I ought to check up on all the information.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Dino Philipson took part in the March on Rome, and that he has been a most frivolous character ever since, changing his opinions according to the circumstances?

Mr. Eden

There seems to be a clash of opinions on this matter. What I heard was that he was at one time a Liberal member of Parliament, which is, in all respects, a most respectable occupation.