HC Deb 03 December 1947 vol 445 cc376-7
40. Mr. Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what the objective is of the visit to Eritrea by the Commission appointed by the Foreign Ministers; is he satisfied that the forty-eight hours allotted for the task is sufficient; and if the findings of the Commission will be submitted to this House before any final decision is made.

Mr. Mayhew

The Commission is obeying the procedure laid down in the Italian Peace Treaty, which provides that a Commission should visit the ex-Italian Colonies in order to supply the Deputies of the Foreign Ministers with information to assist their consideration of the disposal of these territories, and in order to discover the views of the local population. A period of 40 days has been allotted to the Commission for their visit to Eritrea and I am advised that this will be sufficient. The answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question is, "No, Sir."

Mr. Longden

Can the Minister say if and when Eritrea will be allowed to return to the Mother country, Ethiopia, or whether we must wait until there is a repetition of what is now happening in Somaliland?

Mr. Mayhew

That is a different question.

Mr. John Hynd

On what grounds is Eritrea included in the category of ex-Italian colonies?

Mr. Mayhew

I should like notice of that question.