§ 30. Mr. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that the Italian Government are carrying out, in the letter and the spirit, the terms of their agreement with Austria regarding the South Tyrol, and whether he is taking any action in the matter.
§ 37. Professor Savoryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received the draft Statute for the newly-created Alto-Adige-Trentino Region which was approved on 29th January by the Constituent Assembly in Rome; and whether he is aware that by this fusion of the two provinces of Trentino and Bolzano the German-speaking population has been converted into a minority with an overwhelming Italian majority which will have a decisive voice in legislation; and whether he has protested against these provisions as being inconsistent with Annexe IV of the Treaty with Italy.
Mr. McNeilMy right hon. Friend has not yet received the text of the Autonomy Statute, but he understands that it assigns considerable powers both to the whole region of Trentino-Alto-Adige, and, within that region, to the Bolzano province, in which there is a German-speaking majority. My right hon. Friend has been been informed that the representatives sent to Rome by the German-speaking population in the South Tyrol have publicly acknowledged the spirit in which 20 the negotiations took place, and have accepted the Statute as satisfactory.
His Majesty's Government welcome this Agreement and regard the solution of this difficult problem as an important contribution to the pacification of Europe. Hon. Members will, I am sure, agree that all concerned are to be congratulated on the wisdom and moderation which they have shown.
§ Mr. BoothbyWill the right hon. Gentleman impress upon the Italian Government that it is the sincere desire of His Majesty's Government that the terms of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such a way that the inhabitants of the South Tyrol will be able, at long last, to live their lives in security and freedom?
Mr. McNeilI have no doubt that the Italian authorities will display in its operation the generosity and liberality which they have displayed in its negotiation.
§ Professor SavoryDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is essential to distinguish between the Regional Council, which really has all the power and in which the Tyrolese are in a very small minority, and the Provincial Assembly, whose powers are totally inadequate and in fact almost ridiculous?
Mr. McNeilI have already indicated that while we have not got the text of the Statute, the Tyrolese representatives have expressed their gratification. I will, however, arrange to place a translation of the Statute in the Library as soon as we receive it.
§ Mr. WarbeyI am aware of my right hon. Friend's difficulty, but is he able to confirm a Press report that the proposed Provincial Assembly for the Bolzano region has been awarded powers over police and education policy, which is what the South Tyrolese were asking for particularly?
Mr. McNeilI hope that I may be excused. I should prefer to study a translation of the Statute before I venture any opinion as to its contents.