§ 31. Mr. David Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to remove from the ex-Italian Colonies of Eritrea and Somalia, the Italian police, judges and other officials, since the surrender of the territory removes all obligation under international law to retain in office the former local officials.
§ Mr. BellengerIt is true that the Italian surrender of rights and interests in her former colonies removes any obligation in International Law to retain former Italian local officials in office but until the Treaty of Peace with Italy is ratified by all the Governments concerned, His Majesty's Government is bound by the terms of the Hague Convention to maintain Italian law, and must, therefore, of necessity employ Italian officers to administer it. On the corning into force of this Treaty there still remains the obligation to continue as far as possible the existing Administrations in Eritrea and Somalia until the future of these colonies is determined by the agreement of the four Foreign Ministers. It will be necessary to retain a certain number of the former Italian judges and officials (many of whom have served the Military Administrations loyally since the Occupations) to enable the existing administrations to continue to function smoothly. Since 1945 Italian officials have, however, been returning to Italy and where possible, and as opportunity occurs, officials are being replaced by suitable non-Italian and indigenous personnel in the territories.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the loyal and devoted service which these officials nave given to the British military administration over several years, and not be unduly influenced by the narrow nationalism implied in the Question?