HC Deb 05 November 1947 vol 443 cc1817-8
28. Mr. Anthony Nutting

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on his conversations with the Italian Foreign Minister about British claims with regard to the disposal of the Italian Fleet.

Mr. Bevin

As announced in the communiqué issued on the conclusion of my talks with Count Sforza, His Majesty's Government, desiring to assist Italian and general European recovery and having taken into account the steps which have and are being taken in that direction, have decided that the naval vessels allocated to them under the Peace Treaty and the Four Power Naval Protocol of 10th February, 1947, with the exception of a few minor vessels, shall be left in the possession of the Italian Government to be dealt with in accordance with Article 2 (b) of the Naval Protocol which provides for certain categories of vessels to be scrapped or sunk.

Mr. Nutting

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of strengthening the hands of the Italian Government in general, and particularly of Count Sforza in the great work which he is doing; and further is he aware of the importance, in this connection, of this renunciation of British claims regarding the Italian Fleet?

Mr. Bevin

That is the reason I took this decision. I stated in this House some time ago that I would not treat Italy as if Mussolini was still alive. Therefore, I would rather look forward than allow any feelings about what happened in the past to influence my mind.

Sir Ronald Ross

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us a rough idea of how many ships are involved?

Mr. Bevin

I am not permitted at the moment to give any details because the Four-Power Naval Committee has to do the allocation.