HC Deb 12 July 1944 vol 401 cc1715-6
10. Mr. Ivor Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the seat of the Italian Government will be transferred to Rome; and whether the transfer will be accompanied by an extension of the territory under its control to a line north of Rome by publication of the armistice terms and by a formal exchange of diplomatic representatives.

7. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the reasons for the delay in transferring the seat of the Bonomi Government to Rome.

Mr. Eden

After receiving the views of the Advisory Council for Italy, the Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean theatre has authorised the removal of the seat of the Italian Government, together with the Allied Control Commission and the Advisory Council for Italy, to Rome in the course of this week. The move will probably be completed by July 15th. For reasons of convenience, however, the Italian Service Ministries may continue to function elsewhere for the time being. I have no statement at present to make on the other matters raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Mr. Ivor Thomas).

Mr. Thomas

Does this mean that Rome will still be used as the military headquarters of the Allied Forces, if it has been so used?

Mr. Eden

I do not quite know. I would like to see that on the Paper. However, I must make plain to my hon. Friend that, in these matters, it is our own interests which come first.