§ 25. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that a large number of South Tyrolese non-naturalised optants were disqualified from voting in the recent Italian elections, he is satisfied that the Optants Agreement made by the Italian and Austrian Governments is being operated by the Italian authorities in accordance with the terms of the Italian Peace Treaty.
§ Mr. MayhewI am not aware that people in this category had any special difficulties in voting.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs my hon. Friend aware that thousands of German-speaking South Tyrolese were disqualified from voting in the recent Italian elections on the flimsiest of grounds, and that the screening tribunal which is dealing with alleged cases of pro-Nazi activities is acting in complete disregard of the proper laws of evidence? Will he call for a report from the British Ambassador on this matter?
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir, that is not my information, and I do not propose to call for a report. Indeed, I understand from the prompt action of the Italian authorities that as soon as the optants law came into force, the majority of those who had 890 acquired German nationality were able to re-acquire Italian nationality in time to vote.
§ Professor SavoryIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these South Tyrolean optants, who were accepted by the Allied Military Control as Italian subjects, have now, on the most absurd pretexts, been refused the right to vote, and that this has caused immense dissatisfaction in South Tyrol?
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir, the hon. Member is misinformed, the facts are as I have stated.
Mr. Ivor ThomasIs my hon. Friend aware that a South Tyrolean party stood at this election, and was successful in obtaining representation in the Italian Parliament?
§ Professor SavoryThey should have obtained much more.