HC Deb 21 June 1944 vol 401 cc166-7
10. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent changes in the Provisional Government of Italy.

Mr. Eden

Soon after the capture of Rome the head of the Italian Government, Marshal Badoglio, went to Rome, with the permission of the Allied authorities, to discuss a further broadening of his Government with those leaders of the Democratic parties who had stayed in Rome. However, these leaders were unwilling to serve under the Marshal. A Government was, therefore, formed under Signor Bonomi, a former Prime Minister of pre-Fascist Italy. This Government, having given the necessary guarantees of collaboration with the Allies, has now assumed office.

Sir R. Acland

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether this Government is now functioning as a Government, and can he comment on certain statements that it has, so to speak, evaporated and is not really functioning as a Government?

Mr. Eden

As far as I am aware, it has not evaporated. Certain undertakings of collaboration were, of course, required. These, I understand, have been given.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

Is it proposed to increase the territory under the control of this Government?

Mr. Eden

That depends on the progress of operations and matters of that kind.